This cannot be easily defined, but is often described as the unreasonable interference with the normal enjoyment of your property. The noise would generally have to be occurring regularly or over a continuing period of time to be considered unreasonable.

There are no set noise levels (decibel levels) in relation to noise nuisance. Each case is judged on what might be reasonable and normal for the situation and we will take into consideration various factors such as:

• When the noise is occurring
• The duration of the noise
• How often it occurs
• The type of noise
• Location
• Whether there is a social acceptance (for example new years eve, church bells etc.)

Unfortunately there is no added protection for shift workers or for people who are studying or ill and may want or expect more peace and quiet than may be normal.

The following are UNLIKELY to be a statutory nuisance:

• A one-off party
• Neighbours arguing
• A lawnmower being used
• A baby crying

Noise that we have no control over:

• Road traffic/engine noise on the public highway
• People noise on a public road or footpath
• Air traffic noise

If your neighbour (or neighbouring business) is causing you a regular or significant noise problem it is generally worth approaching them to explain politely that you are bothered by the noise. It might be that your neighbours are unaware of the disturbance they are causing and most will be willing to do what they can to reduce the noise. You are not obliged to do this, but it may help neighbour relations in the longer term.

If this doesn’t work, or you are unsure about approaching your neighbour, you can contact us to request our assistance by using our online form:

Report an Issue 

Alternatively, you can email EH@winchester.gov.uk or telephone Environmental Health on 01962 848097.

Initially, we will contact the neighbour to see if they are aware of an issue and to try, where possible, negotiate a resolution to the problem. In some cases, mediation may be offered. You may be asked to make a record of dates and times of the noise, together with a description of its impact on you.

If this is not successful and you continue to be disturbed, we will gather more evidence (often in the form of sound recordings) and if the evidence is sufficient, we will serve a formal notice requiring the noise nuisance to be abated within a certain time period.

Breaching a noise abatement notice is a criminal offence and punishable by fine or imprisonment by a Magistrates Court.

If you have been the source of a noise disturbance, here are some tips on how to minimise the noise you may be making:

DO

• Be aware of your neighbours when you are doing something noisy or let them know beforehand (for example if you are holding a party)
• Keep the music volume down, especially after 11pm, or use headphones
• Remember if you live in a flat or maisonette that noise and vibration travel easily through walls and floors
• Pull TV’s and speakers away from walls and off floors
• Keep musical instrument practices short and at respectable times
• Be respectful of your neighbours when returning home from a night out after 11pm 

DON’T

• Carry out noisy DIY before 8am or after 9pm. Try to avoid DIY on Sundays
• Play music at a level which could be heard by your neighbours
• Have frequent noisy parties in your home
• Leave dogs alone for long periods
• Sound car alarms, slam doors or rev engines at night
• Use vacuum cleaners or washing machines late at night