Noise and nuisance

Excessive noise can cause considerable stress and sleep disturbance. The Council has the duty to deal with noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (external link).

Statutory nuisances

A statutory nuisance must:

• significantly interfere with the enjoyment and use of a person’s property.
• substantially affect the enjoyment of comfortable living, such as loss of sleep, interfering with conversation or watching television.
• normally be continuous or frequent. For example, one- off parties would not be a statutory nuisance.

Unusual shift patterns, medical conditions or other sensitivities cannot be taken into account when deciding if a particular problem is causing a statutory nuisance

Noise we can deal with

• barking dogs
• car or intruder alarms
• construction site noise
• DIY works
• loud amplified music/parties
• noise from pubs and clubs

Noise we cannot deal with

• road traffic noise
• aircraft noise (other than model aircrafts)

If you are upset by aircraft noise from Farnborough Airport, please contact the airport by telephone on 01252 526001, email complaints@farnboroughairport.com (link sends email) or write to The Sustainability Manager, Farnborough Airport Ltd, Farnborough Airport, Farnborough, GU14 6XA.

Noise which is unlikely to amount to a statutory nuisance

• Children playing inside or outside, unless excessive.
• General domestic/living noises, unless equipment is faulty or used late at night.
• Noisy behaviour in public places. If excessive we may be able to deal with it under Anti-Social Behaviour legislation.
• Noise from works such as road works due to gas/electric/water or works to the railway at night.