Late night deliveries
Due to the Coronavirus outbreak the government has extended delivery hours to include night time deliveries for supermarkets and other food retailers. The extension is due to reviewed again on 30 September 2022. You can view a copy of the statement.
How we can help
The Council runs a noise service. You can report ongoing noise by calling 01372 474750 or email:
envhealth@elmbridge.gov.uk. In many instances you will be offered advice and we will endeavour to resolve the problem by initially contacting the source of the noise in writing. You can also use our
online reporting form. We will, where appropriate, ask you to complete log sheets to give us a better picture about the frequency and duration of the noise you are experiencing.
Before making a complaint
Before you make a noise complaint, please read the following:
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Noise is an inevitable consequence of a modern and vibrant society. This must be balanced with the effects on quality of life, health and wellbeing.
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There is no right to absolute peace and quiet. We all need to be reasonable. For instance, you should consider where the noise occurs, the time of day, and frequency. Ultimately, the law is there to cover cases which are particularly significant.
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We have found that it is good to address noise issues early and to start at a lower level. Most people are reasonable, and it is worth first trying to speak to the person causing the noise.
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If you prefer an alternative to speaking face-to-face, a polite letter can also be effective. We provide some sample noise letters for you to use. Remember to keep a copy.
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Using a third-party mediation service can help resolve these types of problems. In Elmbridge we work with Mediation Surrey. Over 85% of all mediated cases conclude with a positive result.
Mediation
Mediation Surrey is able to offer services to residents including support coaching.
Referrals for community mediation can only be made through a professional body, therefore if this is something you are interested in please contact us in the first instance using the online report noise form at the top of the page.
The next step
If speaking or writing to those causing the noise does not work and the disturbances continue, we recommend that before you contact us:
Council investigation
We are only able to investigate the following types of residential or business noise:
Once you make your complaint to us your case will be assigned an officer. They will discuss your complaint with you and decide the most appropriate course of action. This will involve keeping a nuisance diary and working out which legal powers we can use to assist you.
You can use our noise nuisance recording sheet or download the noise app available for both iPhone and Android) which will allow you to record the noise as it is happening and upload the recording directly to us.
Statutory nuisance
A statutory noise nuisance is more than a mere annoyance and would have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of those affected. Apart from the noise being substantial and unreasonable, numerous other factors are considered by the officer when determining nuisance, such as:
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location
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time of day
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frequency
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duration
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intensity
Where there is an anti-social element to the noise, consideration can be given to using our powers under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, to issue a Community Protection Notice (CPN). A CPN would be appropriate if the noise:
Investigation law
The officer's investigation is a legal process and will require good evidence of the noise you have been experiencing. You may also be required to attend court. The law recognises that sometimes it is difficult for local authorities to confirm that there is a statutory nuisance, and so also allows for residents to take their own legal action under section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
For further information, please see our Noise policy
