Neighbour Noise
We advise that it is always a good idea to speak to your
neighbour before contacting the Environmental Protection Team, as
your neighbour may be unaware that their actions are causing
problems.
When dealing with neighbour noise our
procedure is to send a diary sheet to the complainant and a
standard letter to the alleged noisy person, indicating the nature
of the complaint. This provides an opportunity to address the
issue, if appropriate, and makes the alleged noisy person aware
that a complaint has been made to the Environmental Protection
Team. If the diary sheet is returned then a discussion between the
complainant and a member of the Environmental Protection Team would
establish the most appropriate service to provide. Visits could be
arranged for times when the noise occurs to establish how severe
the noise problem is. If necessary, enforcement action can be taken
to have a nuisance stopped, through the service of a noise
abatement notice. Any further nuisance following the service of an
abatement notice would be a criminal offence under the
Environmental Protection Act 1990; this could result in legal
action being taken, or seizure of noise-making equipment, or
both.
It is sometimes the case that despite visits
by members of the Environmental Protection Team no statutory
nuisance is witnessed. Under those circumstances it would not be
possible or appropriate for the Environmental Protection Team to
take any enforcement action. However any individual may take his or
her action to the magistrates court under section 82 of the
Environmental Protection Act 1990. Advice on taking action under
section 82 can be found on Link Advice on section 82 .
The Environmental Protection operates an Out
of Hours noise monitoring service for those suffering noise at
night. The service is available from 10pm until 6am on Friday and
Saturday nights, and from 11pm until 6am for the rest of the week.
Noise Officers would visit the complainant to establish whether or
not a statutory nuisance exists and take the appropriate
enforcement action either on the night or on the next working day.
The Out of Hours service is only available to those with a
reference number, which is generally given to those complainants
who have returned a diary sheet indicating a night noise
problem.
It is sometimes the case that neighbours fall
out and mediation between the parties can help to resolve the
issues. Shepway and Dover mediation Service offer a free,
confidential and impartial service, independent of Dover District
Council. Both sides of any dispute are encouraged to discuss and
agree solutions to improve a given situation. Shepway and Dover
Mediation Service can be contacted on 01303 227296 or by e-mail on
shepwaymed@lineone.net
Contact the Customer Services
Team Telephone: 01304 872428
E-mail: customerservices@dover.gov.uk
