Noisy parties

On Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday nights (between 7pm and 2am) our out of hours noise service deal with noisy parties that are causing a nuisance to neighbouring properties. If you are being affected by a noisy party during these times, contact us by telephone and we can take the appropriate action.

What we will do

Where we receive a complaint about a noisy party, we will visit the vicinity of the premises being complained about and assess whether the party is causing a nuisance. This will depend upon time, volume and the type of music being played e.g. heavy base level, the numbers of properties affected etc.

If we decide the party is causing a nuisance we will inform the owner/occupier of the premises and request steps be taken to eliminate the nuisance. These include reducing volume of music, closing doors and windows, bringing outdoor parties indoors and agreeing a time for music to be turned off.

Where our requests are ignored, we can take formal action (service of notice) against the owner/occupier requiring immediate action to abate the nuisance. If this notice is ignored the person served with the notice will be prosecuted and can be fined up to an unlimited amount. In exceptional circumstances we will also consider seizing noise equipment (in conjunction with the police).

What you should do

If you are planning a party:

• Warn your neighbours in advance, being specific on what time you intend the music and party will start and finish.
• Stick to the times you have set out – remember to be reasonable.
• Keep the music indoors.
• Keep windows and doors shut where possible.
• Make sure that you 'control' your guests and their behaviour doesn't annoy your neighbours.
• If someone complains, turn the music down.
• Remember we provide an emergency out of hours service for noisy parties. If we receive a complaint about your party, you may get a visit from the noise officer. If they decide it is causing a noise nuisance you could be served with a formal enforcement notice.
• Even if you have informed local residents of your intention have a party, you still need to ensure your music is kept at a reasonable level.