You can report noise if you are being disturbed, at any time via Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or use the on-line form. The Noise Team will follow it up.
What is noise?
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 does not set specific times or levels for noise. It is a subjective assessment that takes into account factors such as; time of day, where the noise can be heard, and how it is affecting other people.
Any unwanted sound ....... pleasant music to one person ......... may be a nuisance to someone else.
There will never be complete quiet in an urban are such as Waltham Forest - today's environment is increasingly noisy and we all have to have consideration and tolerance for our neighbours. Each case has to be considered on its merits. The following are examples when the Community Protection Service can take action:
- Music that is so loud that it prevents you or your family sleeping or relaxing.
- Building sites or factories that start making a noise early in the morning or continue making a noise until late at night.
- Intruder and car alarms which repeatedly sound for long periods and are not switched off.
- Noisy D.I.Y. work late at night or early in the morning.
- Persistent and prolonged noise from animals.
The Consumer Protection Service cannot normally take action for domestic noises other than loud music. This would include for example: Raised voices, children running about, footsteps and banging. These types of problems may be dealt with through mediation.
Noisy alarms
Information on noisy alarms and what we can do
Noisy animals
Information on what to do if you have a problem with your neighbours' noisy animals
Mediation
Information on steps you can take to resolve the noise
Private legal action
Information on how to go about taking out a private legal action
Contact
Noise Team
Environmental Health
Environment & Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
London E17 4JF
tel 020 8496 3000
email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
