The process of determining what level of noise constitutes a nuisance can be quite subjective. For instance, the level of noise, its length and timing may be taken into consideration in ascertaining whether a nuisance has actually occurred. In relation to students living in the Community, Northumbria will always investigate when a member of the public complains that they are subject to noise levels that are unacceptable, and are examples of antisocial behaviour.
The following links give more detailed information about
Councils can investigate complaints of statutory nuisance to tackle noise produced at any time of day or night. But they may also issue warning notices in response to complaints about noise above permitted levels from 11pm to 7am. These warning notices can be used by councils for noise that’s not a statutory nuisance. It is complaints of noise at night that are more commonly received by Universities about the students living in the community.
If the council thinks the noise still exceeds the permitted level after the specified period and wants to prosecute, they must measure the noise level from within the dwelling of the person who has complained.
If someone doesn’t comply with a warning notice without a reasonable excuse, councils can:
- give a fixed penalty notice (FPN) giving them the chance to pay a fine (up to £110 for dwellings and £500 for licensed premises) within 14 days, instead of being prosecuted
- prosecute them if they don’t issue an FPN or if the person responsible doesn’t pay the fine on time (if convicted they can get a fine of up to £1,000 for dwellings and an unlimited amount for licensed premises)
- remove noise-making equipment like loudspeakers
