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Noise and nuisance

Related Links

First round designation of NAPPAs and quiet areas

Implementing the Environmental Noise Directive in Wales – Designation of quiet areas in agglomerations and Noise Action Planning Priority Areas
Procedures for identifying quiet areas and priority areas.

Sound Advice on Noise

This booklet will help you to deal with noise problems and learn more about noise issues.

Noise Act 1996

Introduces a night noise offence for domestic premises and a procedure for seizing and forfeiting noise-making equipment.
silence please - finger on lips

Find out how to deal with Noise, odours, smoke, and light pollution and other neighbourhood nuisances that affect you.

Noise, odours, smoke, and light pollution are just some of the neighbourhood nuisances that can affect us.

Addressing the problem

If you are concerned about noise or another nuisance from a neighbour's home or a local business or manufacturer, you should try to talk to them. If you explain the problem to the person or company responsible, you may find that it can be resolved amicably.

Formal action

When informal action is not possible or fails, you can take formal action. The most common route involves complaining to your local authority about the problem. Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 provides more information on how to do this.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 restates the legal definition of statutory nuisances and the summary procedures for dealing with them.

Under the Act, local authorities must take reasonably practicable steps to investigate complaints about statutory nuisances.    

The Environmental Protection Act also requires a local authority to put an end to or reduce statutory nuisances.

Visit: Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990: Office of Public Sector Information website (external link)