Pollution control - noise
Public health nuisances
We have a statutory duty to investigate complaints regarding noise nuisance.
Noise
We have powers to deal with many types of noise. These include:
- televisions and stereos
- DIY at unreasonable hours
- intruder alarms
- car alarms from stationary vehicles
- animals
- entertainment at commercial premises
- construction noise outside 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays
- Construction site guidelines (Jan. 2006)
(PDF 121KB)
Sound insulation
Poor sound insulation between adjoining properties is a cause of many complaints throughout the country.
It may make everyday sounds of ordinary living intolerable; such as from children playing. It is a particular problem in premises originally constructed as single household dwellings, which have been converted into self, contained flats.
- Sound Insulation - further information (PDF 21KB)
Dealing with noise nuisance
If a noise is witnessed the Investigating officer will try and resolve the situation informally.
If this is not possible and the noise is excessive and deemed a "nuisance" a statutory notice will be served under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requiring the abatement of the noise nuisance.
If the nuisance is not stopped within the time specified by the notice the council will carry out the necessary work to stop the noise. This may include the seizure of noise emitting equipment.
The owner or occupier of the premises will then be charged for the cost of the work (including VAT) plus the council’s administration. The owner or occupier can also be prosecuted.
If you are affected by noise nuisance please contact the weekday noise service and the weekend 24 hour noise service on:
- Tel. 020 8359 7997 (9am - 5pm) or during weekdays
- Tel. 020 8359 2000 (8pm - 7am) from Friday -Monday Morning option 2 gives direct contact to the noise and nuisance officer.
Report it online: 
Online form
If the noise is on going at the time of your call an officer will aim to visit you within one hour.
If the noise is not on-going the completion of log sheets can help the Environmental Health section ascertain if we will be able to help you.
To request a log sheet contact us on Tel. 020 8359 7997 (9am - 5pm)
If you would like to find out additional information on the legislation relating to noise and how to be considerate whilst undertaking noisy activities in your home visit: www.defra.gov.uk and www.nsca.org.uk.
If the Environmental Health section are unable to help with the type of noise problem that you are troubled by it is possible for you to take private action through the court system.
You would have to contact the Clerk at Barnet Magistrates Court to arrange a time to provide the necessary evidence to prove your case in accordance with S.82 of The Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Mediation
If you would like to try and resolve a noise dispute with your neighbour informally and you live in a council premises a confidential Mediation Service is available provided by an independent organisation.
For more information please contact your Housing Officer. Or if you do not live on council premises you can obtain details about the location of services in your area from Mediation UK on 0117 9046661.
