Noise pollution

Unwanted noise can be a source of stress and irritation for many people. We operate a standby service at weekends and over Bank Holidays for investigating and dealing with noise problems.

Sources of noise nuisance

Some of the most common sources of noise nuisance or pollution are:

• Aircraft noise
• Alarms (burglar alarms and car alarms)
• Barking dogs - complaints about barking dogs are dealt with by our dog wardens.
• Commercial noise (eg pubs and clubs)
• Construction noise
• Neighbourhood noise (eg loud music, parties or fireworks) - view advice on dealing with noisy neighbours.

When does noise become a statutory nuisance?

Generally, noise can be considered a statutory nuisance if it has a bad effect on you or your enjoyment of your home. The noise would also have to be persistent and regular - a one off party would not usually be called a statutory nuisance.

The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990 gives us legal powers to deal with noise where it is defined as a statutory nuisance.

Aircraft in flight are exempt from the EPA legislation.

Out of office noise service

We operate a standby service at weekends and during Bank Holidays for investigating and dealing with noise problems. The service is mainly for responding to complaints about noisy parties and ringing alarms. Complaints should be reported to Thames Valley Police. They will usually respond in the first instance and then call our standby officer as appropriate.

• Phone: 101

Persistent noise problems

If you are being disturbed by persistent noise problems, such as a neighbour's loud music, we suggest you keep a diary to record the details. This should include: the date, time, duration and description of each occurrence. You can call our officers for advice during office hours (8.45am to 5.15pm Mondays to Thursdays, 8.45am to 4.45pm on Fridays). We also provide advice on dealing with noisy neighbours. You can download the noise diary form below.

• Phone: 01494 421 734
• Email: environmentalhealth@wycombe.gov.uk

Resolving noise issues informally through mediation

You may prefer to resolve noise nuisance issues informally, without our intervention. You can do this with the help of a mediation service. Mediation Buckinghamshire (based in High Wycombe, see link below for website) offer a confidential and impartial service that can improve situations by talking things over.

The mediators are volunteers from the local community who have been trained to work with neighbours in dispute. The service is free to local residents.