Dealing with a noise nuisance problem
Probably the best way to deal with unwanted noise is to approach the person/company responsible for the noise and explain the problem. This is often enough to resolve the problem completely. The local mediation service may be able to help you achieve this.
Guildford Mediation Service is a free, confidential, impartial and independent voluntary organisation set up to help people resolve their disputes. Their website holds their contact details.
Mediators are specially trained to help people resolve difficulties with their neighbours. Mediation can be an extremely effective means of resolving problems and restoring good neighbourly relations particularly where issues of noise are concerned.
The mediation process usually entails individual meetings to both parties to listen to concerns and answer questions about mediation, followed hopefully with everyone’s agreement to a mediation session with the aim to reach an amicable solution to the problem. The process is completely confidential with all sessions conducted in private. The parties are in control at all stages, are able to withdraw at any time during the process and nothing is done without full agreement.
However, when the above method fails you can choose to contact the Environmental Health and Licensing Services which has a duty to investigate complaints of noise from premises (land and buildings) and vehicles, machinery or equipment in the street under sections 80 and 81 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (as amended by the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993). To see a copy of the regulations please go to the Office of Public Sector Information website (this page opens in a new window).
Environmental Health and Licensing Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444371
Fax: 01483 444546
Email: environmentalhealth@guildford.gov.uk