If you have already considered the information available
about noise
complaints, the following frequently asked questions may be of
further assistance when experiencing a noise
problem.
Q. What
kind of complaints can Pollution Control investigate?
The most common examples domestic noise complaints we receive
and investigate are:
- Amplified music or noise from radio, television or stereo
- Noise from DIY activities at unreasonable times
- Intruder alarms – please ensure you have contacted the Police
also
- Persistent dog barking
In addition to investigating domestic noise sources we also
investigate noise from commercial businesses such as pubs, clubs
and factories.
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Q. What
complaints are Pollution Control normally unable to help
with?
We are normally unable to take action in relation to general
living noise, such as:
- Footsteps
- Flushing the toilet
- Washing machines, vacuum cleaners etc
- Moving furniture
- General talking
- Children playing/crying
- Slamming doors
- Shouting
These tend to be the types of complaints that are received from
residents who live in Flats. It is not unreasonable for a person to
use the space within which they live to carry out any of the normal
every day tasks and activities.
The team are also unable to deal with certain random
intermittent noise complaints such as:
- Complaints of very short term, irregular, unpredictable noise
e.g. door slamming
- Single vehicle movements
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Q. I am
affected by Noise when I am not at home i.e. at my place of work.
Can Pollution Control investigate this?
No. A Statutory Nuisance only exists when the enjoyment of your
own home is affected by the Noise you are subject to. Pollution
Control Officers can only investigate when you are affected at
home. Noise that is affecting you from other premises whilst at
work would not be classed as a Statutory Nuisance.
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Q. I
think I’d like to lodge a noise complaint but will my details be
kept confidential?
Your details, as the complainant, will be kept confidential
during the investigation. There may however become a time where
this is no longer possible. If the evidence obtained during the
investigation shows the existence of a statutory nuisance a
statement from yourself will be required to support any action
taken by this Department. This may require you to give evidence in
court. If we reach the stage of going to Court your details can no
longer be kept confidential.
For legal reasons we cannot accept:
- Anonymous complaints
- Complaints where access to the complainants premises is
not allowed by the complainant
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Q. How
do I lodge a Noise complaint?
To lodge a noise complaint the person suffering from the
noise must make contact with Peterborough City Council. You can
contact us on 01733 747474. You must provide your name
and address and the address of the person you are complaining
about. Its not essential but it would be useful if you could
provide the person who you are complaining abouts name and whether
or not they are a Registered Social Landlord tenant.
You can also complete our online
noise complaint form.
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Q.
After I lodge my noise complaint what will happen next, how will
the investigation run?
Every case is different as there are many variables that come
into play when dealing with people and their lifestyles. We
do however have a nuisance investigation procedure which will give
you an idea of the process involved.
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Q. What
fines and sanctions can a Court impose on a person who does not
adhere to Peterborough City Council interventions?
In cases where noise nuisance has been proved an abatement
notice will be served. If this notice is breached the perpetrator
can be taken to court and prosecuted and a fine imposed. The fine
can be up to £5,000 for domestic premises and up to £20,000 for
commercial premises. Furthermore, if the person responsible for the
nuisance breaches the notice persistently, their noise making
equipment can be seized under warrant and retained to prevent
further nuisance occurring.
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Q. Can
I Take my Own Legal Action?
If you don’t wish to involve Peterborough City Council
or we have conducted an investigation and are unable to
intervene or help further; you have the right to take your own
action in the Magistrates Court.
More information about taking legal action is
available from
Environmental Protection UK.
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