Feedback
How do you rate this information /service?
Quick Guide
The Council's out of hours noise service was withdrawn on 1 April 2011. As a result there is no longer be the option of an 'out of hours' (evening, weekend and bank holiday) officer visit following your call.
Listed below are some actions that you can take at the time or after the event:
During office hours (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) you can call Environmental Health & Licensing on 01372 474750 when an officer may be available to visit.
What can I do if no one is available to visit or if it is outside office hours?
Know the source
It is essential you know the exact source of the noise nuisance. It is not always obvious especially if you live in flats or converted dwellings.
Speak face-to-face
Wherever possible, and safe to do so, always try speaking to the person causing the noise face-to-face politely asking them to stop. If it's late think about taking someone with you.
Gather evidence of the noise
Use a digital camera, video camera or mobile phone to record an audio/video clip of the noisy event from within your home taking care not to snoop on neighbours. This evidence can then help Council staff get a better understanding of your complaint and decide on the most appropriate action. |See guide to gathering evidence.
Car and audible intruder alarms
If the noise is from a |car alarm or a |burglar alarm find out what you can do.
The Police Role
Although the police work out of office hours they do not routinely get involved with complaints about noise nuisance. The following statement has been written by a senior officer from Surrey Police to clarify the Police role. |See police statement.
Speak face-to-face
If you have not already done so try speaking to the person causing the noise, face-to-face, politely asking them to be aware that their noise disturbs you and ask them to stop.
Write a letter
Consider writing a polite letter to the person creating the noise, explaining how their noise affects you and asking them to stop. Remember to keep a copy yourself. |You could use our template letters as guidance.
Complete a nuisance record sheet
Record details of the noise and how it affects you on |a nuisance record sheet. Remember, you can also add to your existing noise complaint record/diary of events. |See guide to gathering evidence.
Complete a witness statement
Consider |completing a witness statement - your account of what occurred in your own words. This can then be used to support more formal action such as the service of a Noise Abatement Notice and any legal action should the matter progress to Court. |See guide to gathering evidence.
You can report the noise nuisance to Environmental Health & Licensing either:
Online: The |online noise reporting form
enables you to register your complaint and upload evidence, such as an audio clip, with your complaint as well as allowing the uploading of evidence to existing noise complaint cases.
Telephone: 01372 474750 (9am-5pm Monday - Friday) During evenings, weekends and bank holidays you can call 01372 466114 and register your complaint with the Council's call centre. Please be aware though, that this is only a telephone service and no action will be taken on your complaint until the next working day.
E-mail:
|Environmental Health & Licensing
Consider mediation
Conducted by North Surrey Mediation, it's free, confidential, independent and you are in control. Over 85% of all mediated cases conclude with a positive result. |Find out more.
Take your own legal action
