Nuisance Complaints

How to get help resolving a domestic noise problem

The first thing that the complainant must try and do is talk to the person causing the noise disturbance. A polite request may be sufficient to resolve a problem without taking the matter any further. Getting the Department involved can make relations deteriorate irreparably and nobody likes to fall out with their neighbours. You should also be aware that if you are in the process of selling your house, any prospective purchaser must be made aware that you have made a complaint about your neighbour to the Department.

If your informal approach has failed, contact the Housing Enforcement Section for advice. We will generally send you Noise Investigation Diary Sheets, which are used to establish a pattern to the disturbances and show how the noise is interfering with the use and enjoyment of your premises. Download the Noise Investigation Diary from the document table at the bottom of the page.

A Neighbourhood Noise Problems Leaflet has been prepared to give you advice in relation to domestic noise problems. Download a copy of the leaflet from the document table at the bottom of the page.

Advice about garden bonfires

Should you wish to have a bonfire you should take note of the following advice: -

Compost as much garden rubbish as possible.
If you do light a fire ensure that only dry material is burnt. This will produce the minimum of smoke. Never add household rubbish or rubber tyres to the fire, or use oil to set it alight.
Do not light a fire when weather conditions will cause problems. Smoke hangs in the air on damp, windless days and in the evening.
Do not burn when the wind will carry smoke over another person’s property, or over roads.
Bonfires can be dangerous and should never be left unattended. Do not leave a fire to smoulder – douse it with soil or water.

Smoke emitted in such quantity, or of such density or content, as to be a nuisance, can result in formal action being taken against the person responsible.

Drainage Complaints

Defective or blocked drains are a severe health risk and we have powers to require the person responsible to carry out urgent repairs. Primarily we will investigate and offer advice to remedy defective drains.

Examples include:-