Domestic Noise
Probably the most common cause of domestic noise complaints is loud music. This is a good example of unwanted sound as the style of music can be just as important as the volume. Some people would accept hearing a loud recording of a violin concert but they would not tolerate a quieter dance recording with a heavy bass beat. This difference in taste, and often lifestyle, means that music complaints are always difficult to deal with and can lead to stress and arguments between neighbours. With a little consideration on one side, tolerance on the other and good communication between neighbours we should all be able to live together without trouble!
DIY
Many of us choose to do odd jobs around the home and, usually, this does not cause any problems. Problems do arise when larger repairs are carried out at home by the householder. The last thing most people want is to be woken up on a Sunday morning by drilling and banging from next doors' new extension! Again, we recommend that householders do their DIY between the business hours mentioned under Construction Sites.
If you are carrying out any work at home please let your neighbour know what is happening, and give them an idea how long it will take and when you will be doing the work. It's the "not-knowing" that is usually the biggest cause of worry!
If you are carrying out any work at home please let your neighbour know what is happening, and give them an idea how long it will take and when you will be doing the work. It's the "not-knowing" that is usually the biggest cause of worry!
Burglar alarms and car alarms
If you are suffering from a noise problem from a burglar or car alarm, try and sort it out with the offending party first, before calling the council. It does help to maintain your relationship with the person(s) concerned.
Try and get as much information as possible, we need to know: The address, location, and names of offenders.
If it’s a burglar alarm do you know the keyholder’s telephone numbers and/or alarm company details,
Have you contacted the police it may be a crime scene? (The police have an extensive database of keyholder’s).
With a car alarm we need additional information on make, model, colour and registration number of the vehicle.
Try and get as much information as possible, we need to know: The address, location, and names of offenders.
If it’s a burglar alarm do you know the keyholder’s telephone numbers and/or alarm company details,
Have you contacted the police it may be a crime scene? (The police have an extensive database of keyholder’s).
With a car alarm we need additional information on make, model, colour and registration number of the vehicle.
- 97% of alarms ring due to a fault, not a break-in.
- alarms can cause a noise nuisance to neighbours.
- Environmental Health have legal powers to have the alarm switched off.
- we may enter the property to have the alarm disconnected.
- we will claim costs from the person responsible for the alarm. The bill can run to hundreds of pounds.
Is it a quick process for Environmental Health to deal with an alarm?
No. Burglar alarms can sound off for up to 3 occasions of 20 minutes before de-activating. We will therefore not respond unless it has been continuously operating for one hour or activated for 3 twenty-minute periods.
There is a lengthy legal process that has to be followed to disconnect an alarm and it can take up to 4 hours to resolve. If the alarms sounds in the early hours of the morning the decision may be taken to wait until first light as we have to go to court to obtain a warrant.
Car alarms, after we arrive on site, are usually resolved within 2 hours if on a highway. However we may have to follow the procedure for burglar alarms if the vehicle is on private property.
There is a lengthy legal process that has to be followed to disconnect an alarm and it can take up to 4 hours to resolve. If the alarms sounds in the early hours of the morning the decision may be taken to wait until first light as we have to go to court to obtain a warrant.
Car alarms, after we arrive on site, are usually resolved within 2 hours if on a highway. However we may have to follow the procedure for burglar alarms if the vehicle is on private property.
How can I avoid causing a problem?
- check the alarm system meets British Standards.
- check the alarm has a 20 minute cut-out device.
- have the alarm regularly serviced to avoid faults.
- appoint two people nearby who can enter the property to switch off the alarm in your absence. Advise the Police and the Council's Environmental Health Team who these "keyholders" are, using the form below. (Print off the form and fill it in. Send one to the address at the bottom of the form, and another one to your local police station). This could save a lot of time... and money!
Barking comes naturally to dogs, but constant whining or barking can disturb your neighbours. Often the problem happens when you are not at home so the first you know about it could be a complaint, or even a visit from an Environmental Health Officer!
In law, a barking dog can be a noise nuisance and the owner can be fined if they do not stop the nuisance.
In law, a barking dog can be a noise nuisance and the owner can be fined if they do not stop the nuisance.
Why does my dog bark?
Dogs bark because they are bored, lonely, are defending their territory or if they are ill. If your dog barks you first need to check which of these is the cause.
I leave my dog at home whilst I go to work. How can I prevent it barking?
- feed and exercise it before you leave the house and provide fresh water.
- make sure it has a comfortable bed and leave its favourite toys; otherwise it may play with your belongings!
- check the room is not too hot nor too cold and that there is enough ventilation. Remember, dogs in conservatories will get very hot in summer and this could be very dangerous.
- if your dog likes to hear voices, try leaving a radio on a low volume. Make sure it is not too loud otherwise this could cause more complaints!
- if you do not return until after dark, try leaving a light on or else set a lamp to come on when it gets dark or at a certain time.
Please click on the link below to view more information on Dogs:
Being bothered by barking dogs?
Fireworks
It is now an offence for fireworks to be let off after 11pm at either a private, or public function.
If you have any concerns with noise from fireworks after this time, please contact your local Police station, who enforce this law.
All responsible dog owners should keep their dogs inside when fireworks in their area are taking place.
Further advice and leaflets are available from Environmental Health on (01249) 706555 or email:ehealth@northwilts.gov.uk
Please click on the following site to obtain more information on Fireworks, the law, and safety:
www.dti.gov.uk/homesafetynetwork/fw_intro.htm
If you have any concerns with noise from fireworks after this time, please contact your local Police station, who enforce this law.
All responsible dog owners should keep their dogs inside when fireworks in their area are taking place.
Further advice and leaflets are available from Environmental Health on (01249) 706555 or email:ehealth@northwilts.gov.uk
Please click on the following site to obtain more information on Fireworks, the law, and safety:
www.dti.gov.uk/homesafetynetwork/fw_intro.htm
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