If you are disturbed by noise your first step should be to contact the person causing the problem. If this is unsuccessful then complain to Hounslow Council’s Street Management and Public Protection Department:
- Tel: 020 8583 5555
Your complaint will be investigated by Pollution Control Staff and, should adequate evidence be obtained, the Council will take action on your behalf.
Situations do occur however when, despite the existence of a genuine nuisance, it is not possible for the Council to obtain the necessary evidence (e.g. when the noise occurs intermittently and at unpredictable intervals). Under these circumstances you may wish to take your own action in the Magistrates' Court under Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
If you are successful the Magistrates will issue an order prohibiting the noise nuisance, and may also fine the defendant a maximum of £5,000. (£20,000 for premises involving money or business).
Preparation of your case
- Make sure of where the noise is coming from - it is not always obvious
- Set down when and how often you have approached the person responsible for the noise and asked them to reduce or stop it (the Court is unlikely to be sympathetic to your case unless you have attempted to deal with the matter amicably, neighbour to neighbour)
- You must give a minimum of three days’ notice, in writing, to the person before beginning legal proceedings. For advice on how to draft this letter call 020 8583 5555. Keep a copy of your letter for yourself and a further copy to show the Court if necessary
- Set down when the noise occurs and how long it lasts. Keep a notebook and record details of each occasion the noise occurs. Describe the noise in as much detail as possible
- Set down in detail how the noise affects your quality of life or comfort
Find out whether any of your neighbours are also disturbed by the noise and whether they would be prepared to appear in court as witnesses. Independent witnesses would be of great benefit to your case.
It is essential that the full name and address of the person causing or otherwise responsible for the nuisance is known. The electoral roll held at libraries may be of use or you may conduct a land registry search.
Contact us
You can contact us using the details below:
Pollution Control Team
Street Management & Public Protection Department
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
Street Management & Public Protection Department
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN