Environmental Protection Services

Excessive and unreasonable noise can make someone's life a misery and may be a Statutory Noise Nuisance.

Below are some examples of noises that may be Statutory Noise Nuisances:

• Music and speech from HiFi's and TV's operated at excessive volume
• Dogs barking for prolonged periods
• DIY activities at unreasonable times
• Burglar Alarms that develop faults and sound repeatedly or do not cut out after 20 minutes
• Vehicle Alarms that develop faults and sound repeatedly
• Music 'breakout' from Licensed premises such as Pubs and Nightclubs
• Noise from industrial and commercial processes and activities which are not using 'Best Practicable Means' to control or minimise noise
• Noise from demolition or construction sites occurring at unreasonable times, or from un-silenced or poorly maintained equipment, or from not using 'Best Practicable Means' to control or minimise noise
  

The majority of noise complaints that the Environmental Protection Team investigates are about noise from neighbours.

If you are being disturbed by noise from a neighbour

Consider approaching them yourself and explaining politely that you are being troubled by their noise.

You may find this difficult but often people are unaware that they are causing a problem and most will be glad to do what they can to reduce noise.

However, approach the matter carefully if you think your neighbour might react angrily to a complaint.

More information and advice on noise nuisances is available from our Environmental Protection.

Alternatively, we will shortly be introducing links to our anti-social behaviour service which will offer advice on problems caused by residents.

Service Description

Noise affects health and enjoyment. The Council has a duty to see that citizens can enjoy peace and quiet. Where reasonable, noise can be monitored using recording equipment.

Legal action can be taken including confiscation of equipment and fines up to £5,000 for domestic and £20,000 for businesses can be imposed.

Other action includes disconnecting sounding burglar alarms that do not meet the Code of Practice standards. The costs involved are recharged to the owners/occupiers.

Making a complaint about Noise

If you would like to contact us about noise, please give the following data when you send your e-mail:

• Your Name
• Address
• Telephone Number
• E-mail address
• A brief description of the inquiry or nature of the complaint and address of the person(s) causing the problem.

If you wish to make a complaint yourself but not through the Local Authority, you can do so under Section 82 of The Environmental Protection Act 1990.

• Guide to complaining about nuisance.

Further Information

Information leaflets on various subjects relating to the work done by Environmental Services are available on request.

Please email the Environmental Protection highlighting your service information request or telephone 01788 533533.

Or write to:

Environmental Protection Team Rugby Borough Council
Town Hall
Evereux Way
Rugby
CV21 2RR

Customer Satisfaction

The council monitors how effectively services are delivered to the customer. The Best Value Review of Environmental Services introduced a new method to gather customer feedback and to use it effectively.

• Download the council's customer satisfaction feedback form

Information provided will be used in the strictest confidence.