We receive a lot complaints relating to loud music and loud TVs. From time to time we are all bothered by loud music, however, when it starts to be a regular occurrence it can become a nuisance.

What do I do if I am disturbed by loud music or loud TV?

• first, try to discuss your concerns with your neighbour, they may not realise their loud music or TV is disturbing you.
• if you feel unable to approach them directly try writing a polite letter, remember to keep a copy
• if relations between you and your neighbour have deteriorated and the loud music or TV is just an additional problem you may decide the best approach is to consider mediation

Making a complaint to Environmental Health

We will need you to provide the following

• details of where the noise is coming from, the house number and street address
• what time is the noise happening, e.g. late at night
• your name, address and contact telephone number

We will write to the address where the noise is happening and let them know we have had a complaint. We ask them to ring in to discuss this further with us. We will also ask you to fill in log sheets with the dates and the times of when the noise is occurring. This helps us decide if it is a statutory nuisance.

Environmental Health only take action where they are satisfied a statutory nuisance exists. ‘Statutory nuisance’ is defined by case law and therefore regularly updated by the Courts and not easy to describe. However, as a general guide the noise should be an ongoing state of events; and have a major impact on your life not merely causing annoyance.

Action we can take

If from your logs sheets it shows there may be a Statutory Nuisance then we will look at taking further action. This could be putting noise recording equipment in or an officer visiting to witness the noise and assess if the noise constitutes a nuisance.

If a nuisance is confirmed we will serve a Noise Abatement Notice preventing further noise nuisance. Failure to comply with a Noise Abatement Notice is a criminal offence.

We will not reveal the source of the complaint at the initial stage of the investigation but if the case ended up in court then your identity may be revealed.  

What to do if you receive a complaint from your neighbour

Try to put yourself in your neighbour's shoes and be considerate, even if you feel upset by your neighbour's complaint.

• lower the volume of a stereo - in particular the bass. The bass beat is often most audible to complainants. Try to minimise the volume of bass using the settings (refer to the manufacturer manual for more advice). A lower bass frequency can travel further and can easily penetrate through walls and ceilings
• switch to headphones, especially late at night
• if you live in a flat, ceiling hung speakers may not be a good idea
• don't mount a TV or speakers on a wall adjoining your neighbours property, the sound will travel through the wall
• be careful to keep music volumes as low as possible at night especially (between 11.00pm and 8.00am). These are considered to be noise sensitive times when even low noise can cause problems
• adverts are often louder than the main feature you are viewing - you may need to reduce the volume during breaks of this kind
• if you tend to fall asleep whilst listening to music or watching a movie try setting a sleep timer.

Further information

Please contact Environmental Health on 01784 446251 or e-mail environmental.health.domestic@spelthorne.gov.uk