Noise Nuisance

Description of Service

Noise problems can be extremely serious and can lead to stress and ill-health. We investigate complaints of excessive noise from many sources, with allegations ranging from noisy neighbours and barking dogs to industrial noise from factories and excessive noise from fireworks. Where necessary, complaints are investigated using sophisticated monitoring and recording equipment.

Noise from Fireworks

The situation regarding noise from fireworks is a little different to that of most noise-related situations and the ordinary noise nuisance laws may not be applicable. For this reason, they require a special mention.

In law, the definition of a nuisance from noise is that the noise must be a continuous state of affairs. On that basis, a one-off firework event is unlikely to be considered a nuisance.

The Fireworks Regulations 2004 restricts the use and sale of fireworks. Other than this, there is no specific law to deal with noise nuisance caused by fireworks. In addition, fireworks are often used to celebrate significant cultural or religious ceremonies. It is likely, therefore that this would be taken into account by the courts in any legal actions relating to fireworks used for this purpose.

Firework control lies jointly between Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Police. Swindon Borough Council’s Trading Standards Department enforces the control of the sale and Wiltshire Police enforces the use of fireworks.

Service Levels

Swindon Borough Council has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to investigate any complaint about a possible nuisance. Our service standard is to respond initially to new complaints within 2 working days.

In practice, however, the time taken to conduct a full investigation and take appropriate actions varies depending on a number of factors, including:

• The complexity of the circumstances involved.
• The number of parties involved.
• The type of nuisance involved.
• The potential risks to health.
• Whether legal proceedings are necessary.

Nevertheless, where complaints are received, they will be investigated at the earliest possible opportunity, particularly where there is a potential risk to health.

Report a Problem

You can do this in a number of ways:

• Use the online facility to Report a Noise Nuisance.

• By telephone to the StreetSmart Team at the Swindon Direct Contact Centre on 01793 445501. For details of the Contact Centre opening hours, please visit the Swindon Direct web page.

• In person, by visiting the Swindon Direct One-stop-shop. For details of the address and opening hours, please visit the Swindon Direct web page.