Frequently asked questions

Domestic noise

We receive several thousand complaints about noise from neighbours every year which we are required to investigate. Persistent noise can be very upsetting and we take every case seriously. We have a duty to investigate complaints.

Our neighbour-noise enforcement policy

  1. We believe that, in most cases, the first step to resolving neighbour disputes is for people to talk to each other. We provide access to the Ealing Mediation Service, where appropriate - particularly when noise nuisance is the result of a neighbour dispute.
  2. We aim to respond to new complaints in writing within three working days.
  3. We make every effort to ensure our duties are carried out in a fair, impartial and consistent manner.
  4. When we receive a new complaint about someone, we have a duty to notify them. We aim to write to them within three working days of receiving the complaint. The reporter's details will not be released.
  5. We will ask the reporter to keep a detailed written or alternative record of any further disturbances, to be returned to our office within eight weeks.
  6. If we do not receive further information from the reporter within eight weeks, we will assume that there is no further need for our involvement and the case will be closed.
  7. If noise nuisance is continously reported to us, we will aim to visit both parties to discuss the problem and make an objective assessment. We will also monitor the noise levels that are emitted from the alleged source to determine if a statutory nuisance exists.
  8. The Police have no general duty or involvement in dealing with noise complaints.
  9. If officers witness a statutory nuisance, a legal notice requiring the nuisance to stop will be served on the person responsible or the occupier/owner of the premises.
  10. Any further statutory nuisance witnessed may result in a criminal prosecution. The person responsible will be notified in writing of the pending prosecution within five working days of the witnessed nuisance. On conviction, the offender is liable for a fine of up to £5,000.
  11. In persistent or extreme cases, any equipment (such as stereo equipment or televisions) causing the nuisance may be seized. This may also apply to extreme cases where dogs or other animals cause persistent noise. The person responsible will be informed in writing within five working days of the seizure. Further prosecution proceedings may result in a fine and a criminal record.
  12. If the council cannot obtain sufficient evidence that a statutory nuisance exists, the reporter will be advised that the council will not be taking further action. This does not prevent the reporter from exercising their right to take their own action under Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Guidance on taking private action will be provided on request.

Investigating council officers will make an objective, impartial and professional judgement in each case, also considering independent evidence and case law, as appropriate.  Instances of verbal or physical abuse towards council staff will be documented and made available to the court.

Leaflet
A leaflet on our noise nuisance policy, which also contains information on our domestic noise policy is available in pdf format.