Noise nuisance - Advice and Reporting

Helping You Deal with Unwanted Noise in Your Community

Noise nuisance can seriously affect your quality of life. Whether it's barking dogs, loud music, DIY activities, or industrial noise, Fareham Borough Council provides support and guidance to help you resolve these issues.

Common Types of Noise Complaints

• Barking dogs
• Loud music or TV
• Shouting and banging doors
• DIY and construction noise
• Car alarms and intruder alarms
• Bird scarers and fireworks
• Industrial or commercial noise (e.g. pubs, takeaways, factories)

What You Can Do First

1. Speak to your neighbour – they may not realise they're causing a problem.
2. Keep a noise diary – record dates, times, and the impact of the noise.
3. Write a polite letter – if speaking doesn't help, document your concerns.

How to Report Noise Nuisance

If the problem continues, you can report it to the Council's Pollution Team:

• Call: 01329 236100
• Email: regulatory@fareham.gov.uk
• Text "NOISE" to 07860 098627 (include your name and the address causing the issue)

Out-of-hours support is available for urgent cases.

What Happens Next?

• The Council may contact you to discuss the complaint
• You may be asked to keep a log or allow monitoring equipment
• Officers may visit to witness the noise
• If a statutory nuisance is confirmed, a noise abatement notice may be issued

Legal Action & Your Rights

If the noise continues after a notice is served:

• The Council may prosecute or seize equipment
• You can also take private legal action under Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990

Further Resources

• DEFRA Noise Guidance 
• Environmental Protection UK