What you can do

Step 1

Discuss the problem with the person or organization making the noise. Often they can stop or reduce the impact of the noise.

Step 2

Keep an accurate record. Talk to other neighbours and make sure they keep records too.

Step 3

If the noise continues, write to the person, or organization. Explain the problem clearly. Keep a copy of the letter and note the date when it was sent.

Step 4

If you are a Ascham Homes tenant you should initially contact Ascham Homes, otherwise contact the duty noise officer on 020 8496 3000 or email noise.duty@walthamforest.gov.uk or contact us by post:

Noise Team
Environmental Health
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
London E17 4JF

Step 5

You can initiate your own private legal action. This would include situations when the Environmental Health Service has been unable to assist you.

The action we take

Step 6

a) Discuss the problem with you

b) Contact the person responsible for the noise

c) Try to settle the complaint informally

Step 7

If the noise continues noise officers will visit you in your own home to witness and assess the noise you are experiencing. If the noise is a statutory noise nuisance the person causing the noise may then be served with an Abatement Notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The Notice is normally served within seven days of the evidence being established.

Step 8

If the noise continues after the Notice is served, action can be taken in the Magistrate's Court. It may take up to six months after the Notice is contravened before a court hearing takes place. Courts can impose a fine of up to £5,000 if the noise comes from residential premises and up to £20,000 in the case of commercial premises.

You will not be involved in any costs, but you may be asked to:

  • Give a formal statement
  • Go to Court as a witness and show your written record of the noisy incidents

Step 9

If there is evidence that the noise continues other legal action can be considered including the removal of the noise making equipment from the perpetrator's premises.