Report a noise problem

We are subjected to a certain degree of noise as part of everyday life. Some noise can be unreasonable depending on how loud it is, the time of the day and how long the noise has been going on for.

If you’re having a problem with noise like loud music or barking dogs you should first try to have a friendly conversation with the person causing it – they may not be aware they are causing a problem.

If you are unable to resolve the issue you should contact us to assist you. You also have the right to take your own legal action.

Telephone 01992 564608 during office hours or 01992 564000 at all other times.

Noise we investigate

• Loud music
• Noisy neighbours
• Party noise
• Animal noise
• Builders noise

Noise we do not investigate

• Noise from aircraft including helicopters. Contact the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for advice. Complaints about aircraft operating from North Weald Airfield should be reported to the airfield manager on 01992 564501

• One-off incidents, or incidents that only last a short time period

• Noise from DIY work and construction work if carried out within normal working hours between 7.30am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday and between 8am and 1pm on Saturday. Only limited action can be taken to ensure the noise level is minimised as some work is unavoidably noisy

• Normal living noise such as babies crying, people arguing, children playing, slamming of doors and occasional dog barking will not constitute a statutory nuisance
• Traffic noise issues should be reported to Essex County Council

Noise nuisance diary

You may find it helpful to record details of the noise disturbing you.

A noise nuisance diary contains entries for the time, description and the effect the noise had on you. We can use these to show the extent of the problem when dealing with your complaint.

Download our noise nuisance diary:

• Noise nuisance diary (docx 14KB)
• Noise nuisance diary (pdf 75KB)