We hope that the warning letter will resolve the noise problem. However, this is not always the case and the noise may continue. This is why we ask you to complete noise nuisance diary sheets for us.
Noise diary sheets for the basis of our noise investigation. The diary sheets tell us what times of the day the noise occurs, how long it goes on for, the type of noise, where you hear it in your home and how the noise affects you. All this vital information helps us to establish the best method for investigating your complaint and it will help us establish if the noise is a 'statutory nuisance'.
- If the diary reveals the noise only occurs at time when no reactive noise service is available, then it is clear that the best method of witnessing the noise will be to install noise-monitoring equipment
- If the noise is something that is predictable, constant or occurs during times when a reactive noise service is available, then the investigation is best conducted using programmed site visits
- The noise diary sheets may also be useful if you decide to take your own action under Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990
Note: Due to the large number of noise complaints we receive, our policy states that we only carry out further investigations for complaints of noise nuisance once completed noise diary sheets are returned.
If the diary sheets are not returned within 28 days, we will assume that the noise-warning letter has resolved your complaint and that no further action is required.
If you have difficulty in completing the diary sheets for any reason, please contact us and we will try to find a suitable alternative to suit your circumstances.
Completing the diary sheets
- When you next hear the noise, make a note of the date and time it started, the type of noise and how it affected you
- If you can identify the type of noise, for example music, or whether it is a buzzing, humming or a rumbling noise, please write this down
- The noise may affect you by preventing you from watching television at the normal volume, or it may keep you awake at night. Please write as much as you can
What actions can we take?
The information you provide on the diary sheets will help the case officer to assess the noise and decide what action can be taken. If due to the times the noise occurs a visit is not practical, we will use noise-monitoring equipment.
We can take action if the noise is a nuisance in law (a 'statutory nuisance'). We will assess the noise to see if it is sufficient to be a nuisance. In determining whether or not the noise is a 'statutory nuisance' we will have to take into account:
- the type of noise
- how loud it is
- how often it occurs
- how long it lasts for
- the time that it occurs
If the noise nuisance is due to unreasonable behaviour, rather than due to poor sound insulation, we can serve a notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, requiring the noise to be stopped or reduced.