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Local authorities have a responsibility to investigate complaints of noise from premises and have powers to take statutory action in the event of a statutory nuisance.

Complaints are received typically about loud music, barking dogs, DIY activities and burglar alarms.

The powers include the ability to serve a notice requiring the abatement of a nuisance. Default procedures may also be taken; such as the confiscation of equipment responsible for causing a noise nuisance or taking steps  to silence burglar alarms.

The service in Peterborough is not a 24 hours 7 days a week response service.  For noise concerns outside of office hours, a range of approaches are deployed to investigate nuisances, including programmed inspections, the use of monitoring equipment, and on-call officers being available for specific circumstances and events.

Advice is given to planning officers regarding conditions relating to noise in respect of planning permissions and this includes major developments taking place in Peterborough.

The Pollution Team also make representations and recommend conditions, relating to noise, to be attached to public entertainment licences, which apply to nightclubs, public houses, community centres etc.