Frequently Asked Questions

Noise

 

Noise from neighbours is a common source of nuisance, and for some people it can be very upsetting. The main problems are caused by barking dogs, loud music, television, shouting, banging doors and do-it-yourself activities.

Noise problems are the responsibility of the Department of Regulatory and Democratic Services

• Fareham Borough Council - Noise Policy (160 Kb)
• Neighbour Noise Problems
• Car Alarms
• Audible Intruder Alarms & Noise Nuisance
• Fireworks
• Environmental Health Out of Hours Service (or What to do if you're being bothered by noise!)
• Taking Your Own Legal Action

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a statutory nuisance?
To be a statutory nuisance something must be either prejudicial to health or a nuisance in common law terms. Nuisance can broadly be defined as something that affects somebody''s use and enjoyment of their home and property.


Noise is the most frequently complained of nuisance issue. We can deal with both domestic and commercial sources and have equipment to both measure and record noise if necessary.

What things are classified as statutory nuisances?
Issues controlled using statutory nuisance law include:-


• Noise
• Premises
• Smoke
• Light (from badly adjusted floodlights, for example)
• Fumes and gases (applies to domestic premises only)
• Smell (commercial premises only)
• Dust and steam (commercial premises only)
• Accumulations
• Animals
• Insects (from relevant industrial, trade or business premises)

What things are not classified as statutory nuisances?
Nuisance is a very property based issue so that for example, an issue that disturbed you whilst walking on a public footpath, could not be a statutory nuisance to you.


Other issues that are not classified as statutory nuisances include:-

Aircraft noise
Domestic odours (like cooking smells)
Normal road noise.

In such cases, whilst we will not be able to take formal action we may be able to give you advice or suggest your best course of action.