Neighbourhood Nuisance

Neighbourhood nuisance

A list of common examples

How we can help you

Information about how we deal with complaints and keep you informed

What you can do

Advice and guidance and information about keeping records of the nuisance

Action by the Council

How we can help if the problem continues

Common examples of neighbourhood nuisance:

• Noise from TV, hi-fi systems and radios
• Noise from excessive DIY activity
• Barking dogs
• Smoke from bonfires
• Keeping of animals close to domestic property
• Accumulations of refuse or manure
• Insects from business premises

How we can help you

• We will acknowledge your complaint and inform you how we are handling the matter
• We will write to the person causing the alleged nuisance seeking their co-operation in putting things right
• We will give you the name and contact number of the person dealing with your complaint
• We will provide you with help and advice
• We will investigate the complaint if the situation does not improve

What you can do

• Explain the problem to the person causing the nuisance and try to reach a compromise
• Keep a record of all conversations and letters
• Keep a written record of dates, times, duration and extent of the nuisance (we will provide diary sheets)
• Let us know if the nuisance continues and we will discuss the options with you make a complaint direct to the Magistrates' Court under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section 82*
• Make a civil claim in private nuisance for interference with the comfort and enjoyment of your property*

(*You are strongly advised to consult a solicitor before embarking on any legal action)

Action by the Council

If the problem continues and you find it necessary to seek further help from the Council, the following action will be taken. An officer will attempt to monitor the situation to gather necessary evidence. If nuisance is witnessed, the person responsible will be informed and notice may be served under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 seeking to abate, prohibit or restrict the occurrence or recurrence of the nuisance.

If the notice is not duly complied with the Council may decide to prosecute the person responsible. The Council cannot guarantee to be able to witness a nuisance, especially outside normal office hours, and each case will be considered on its merits.