Most people living in urban areas live close to each other will at some time hear noise from their neighbours. In many cases the noise is tolerable because it happens at a reasonable hour of the day, is of short duration and is in many cases part of the give and take of living near to people. Often, however, noise is a source of irritation and stress to many people and this is where the Environmental Services Department can help.

The largest proportion of complaints received by Environmental Services Department are about noise from domestic sources. The main problems are usually that of noise from music stereo systems, television, barking dogs and DIY activity.

If at all possible it is best to discuss the complaint with your neighbour and to try and resolve the problem amicably. First approach your neighbour and explain politely that you are being troubled by the noise. It is best not to do this in the "heat of the moment" but to wait until you are calm and able to explain how you are effected by the noise. Discussing the problem with your neighbours may be difficult but they will often be unaware that they are causing a nuisance and will be happy to do what they can to reduce the noise. Inviting your neighbour into your house to listen to the noise can be an effective way of helping them to realise the problem you are experiencing.

If your neighbour continues to cause a nuisance you can contact Environmental Services and make a formal complaint. You will initially be asked to keep a record sheet over a 14 day period to record the dates, times, duration and type of noise that you find a nuisance. The Environmental Health Officer will use this information as the basis for further action by the Council. An information pack including guidance on how your complaint will be investigated together with a record sheet can be downloaded by clicking on the icon below. You should be aware that if you need to sell your house shortly after making a complaint that you will need to declare this to the purchaser as part of the selling process.

Guidance on how your complaint about domestic noise will be investigated.

How to be a Good Neighbour Leaflet

Noise complaint form

The operation of industrial and commercial processes creates noise which is generally confined inside the units but operation such as extractor fans and ducting, or even opening windows and doors can lead to noise nuisance. Environmental Services staff will investigate noise complaints about noise from these sources. You should contact us by telephoning 01727-819406, if you need to make a complaint.

Construction sites are in the open and are often near existing residential accommodation. Residents will in general accept construction site noise but will complain if work starts early or finishes late or takes place on Saturday afternoon, Sundays or Bank Holidays. Complaints about construction noise can be investigated by Environmental Services staff. You should contact us on 01727-819406 if you need to make a complaint.

Audible intruder alarms in houses, commercial premises and vehicles can cause a considerable short term nuisance to a large number of residents.

Where an intruder alarm is installed the police should be provided with the names and phone numbers of two people who have keys to the house/office and can be contacted in case the alarm sounds. Such people, known as keyholders, should be able to visit the house within 20 minutes to switch the alarm off. Problems usually arise where the householder has failed to notify the police of keyholder details and most often occur when the householder is on holiday. A little more forethought by the householder would prevent a considerable nuisance to neighbours.

Where there is a noise nuisance from an audible alarm, Environmental Services can serve an abatement notice requiring the noise nuisance to stop and if necessary enter the house or car to disconnect the alarm. The costs associated with this work are charged back to the householder or car owner. Contact 01727-866100 if you need to make a complaint. You can download a leaflet on intruder alarms by clicking on the icon below.

Leaflet on Control of Noise from Audible Intruder Alarms

Most complaints relate to noise from entertainment at public houses especially during the summer when pubs and householder alike may have their windows open. If a statutory nuisance is confirmed, an abatement notice can be served to stop or restrict the noise. Contact 01727-819406 if you need to make a complaint.

If there are more than two performers at the premises a public entertainment licence (PEL) is required. Enquires regarding PEL's should be made to the Councils Licensing Officer on 01727-819454.

The Council does not have any power to deal with transport noise from road, air or railways. Complaints about noise from aircraft flying to or from Luton Airport should be made to 01582-395320.