Noise Complaints and Investigations
We investigate around 500 complaints about noise every year. The main complaints are:
- Barking dogs
- Noisy neighbours - from loud music, TV, DIY
- Burglar and car alarms
- Construction and demolition work
- Noise from commercial and industrial premises
- Noise from pubs, clubs and other entertainment venues
Many noise complaints, particularly those involving neighbours can be resolved informally by talking to the person causing the problem - they may be unaware that they are disturbing you.
If you wish to contact us telephone 01325 388799 and tell us:
- Your name, address and telephone number - this will be kept in strictest confidence, however please be aware that the person who you made a complaint about may guess who has complained or may approach you to ask if you made the complaint. If we decide to take legal action your name will have to be released to the defence and you may need to appear in Court as a witness.
- The address (or site) where the noise is coming from
- The type of noise (for example: barking dogs, loud music)
- When and for how long the noise occurs (it will help if you have made a written record of the times and dates when the problem has occurred).
- The way the noise affects you (for example: stops you from sleeping)
- Anything you have done to try and deal with the problem (for example: talk to the person making the noise).
You can also email customerservices@darlington.gov.uk
What we will do
We will discuss your complaint with you and explain what action will be taken. This usually involves an informal approach to the person you complained about, followed by a letter asking them to take steps to limit any unreasonable noise.
We will give you a noise information pack containing diary sheets which you will be asked to complete and return if the noise problem continues. We will use this information to decide if any further visits are needed. In most cases we will need to witness the noise before formal action can be taken.
If we think a statutory nuisance exists; a Noise Abatement Notice will be served on the person causing the problem. Where work is needed to meet the terms of the notice a period of time will be given for the work to be carried out. Failure to comply after that time is a criminal offence and the person can be prosecuted.
Where action is the responsibility of another agency (for example if the complaint is about aircraft noise we will refer it to the Military or Civil Aviation Bodies) we will refer your complaint to them and you will be advised accordingly.
What we can't do
There are some occasions where we can't take action, for example, where the noise occurs intermittently and is not judged to be a nuisance. If formal action can't be taken we will let you know and give you advice about taking your own action if you wish to do so.
Burglar Alarms
Burglar alarms can cause a lot of disturbance, particularly if they fail to switch off and the owner cannot be contacted.
For this reason all alarms should ideally be fitted with an 20-minute cut out device. If you have such a device fitted it is important that you notify your insurance company as failure to do so could invalidate a claim. If you are going away, it is a good idea to let your neighbours know where you can be contacted or who has a key to your house.
We have the power to break into properties to silence an alarm where it is causing a noise nuisance. The cost of this action will be charged to the householder.