Noise

Background

The housing services team can only deal with anti-social behaviour complaints from council tenants; if the complaint is regarding a non-council tenant this must be referred to the health and environmental services team.

Anti-social behaviour can include:

  • Noise

Local Authorities have the power to take action against statutory noise nuisances. It is important to understand that not all noises that cause annoyance will constitute a statutory nuisance, and in addition some types of noise are not covered by the act.

The following types of noise can be dealt with:

  • Noise from premises (any type, any source)
  • Noise from amplified music in the street (car stereos, 'ghetto blasters')
  • Noise from car alarms
  • Noise from machinery or equipment in the street

The following are not actionable:

  • Noise from shouting and brawling occurring in the street
  • Noise from motor vehicles (except in those cases indicated above)
  • Noise from the playing of games in the street or public open space.


Where the department cannot take action, we shall do our best to advise you of other organisations (e.g. mediation service, Environmental Health Department, Citizens Advice Bureau or Police), which may be able to assist you.

How do I complain?

Where circumstances allow, we will expect you to have approached your neighbour either personally or in writing, before becoming involved. If you feel this would be better done through the offices of a third party, we would suggest that you contact the Cambridge Mediation Service. The Mediation service is staffed by volunteers; ordinary local people who have been trained in helping people to solve their disputes. The service is independent, impartial and free to anyone living in the Cambridge area.

Contact the Cambridge Mediation Service, on (01223) 302514

Or write to:
Cambridge & District Community Mediation Service
Llandaff Chambers
2 Regent Street
Cambridge CB2 1AX

If however, your problem remains unresolved you can write to the Housing Department detailing the nuisance that you have been experiencing.

Important details to include:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Details of other party if known
  • Log of events

What happens next?

The housing services team will reply within 14 days of receipt of your letter. They will investigate your complaint and inform you of the outcome. If you experience further problems it is important to contact the Housing Department immediately and they will send you incident report sheets to record key information i.e. date and time of incident, nature of noise, regarding the continued problems.

If you feel that your complaint has not been dealt with satisfactorily you have the right to make a formal complaint to the Council through the complaints procedure. Subsequently, you have the right to complain to the Ombudsman either direct or via your local Councillor.

For more information see your Tenancy Agreement.

See Neighbourhood Management Incident Report Sheet SCDC H117

Frequently Asked Questions

Q What are the contact details for the Local Government Ombudsman?

A For the South Cambridgeshire District Area:

Mr J White
Local Government Ombudsman
The Oaks No 2 Westwood Way
Westwood Business Park
Coventry CV4 8JB
Phone: 024 7682 0000
Fax: 024 7682 0001
www.lgo.org.uk (This link will open in a new window)