Noise

Noise nuisance includes persistent recurring, loud music, TV, shouting & swearing and banging.

If the noise is causing a disturbance and is persistent:

1. Try speaking to your neighbour 
2. If you don’t feel able to speak to them or the noise continues, we may ask you to submit recordings via the Noise App or write down detailed notes of each incident, over an initial two week period.
3. Alternatively, if your neighbour is playing music at an excessive level, please contact the local authority who have a duty to investigate Statutory Noise Nuisance.

Gloucester City Council:  01452 396396 or report online  

Cheltenham Borough Council: 01242 262626 or report online  

Tewkesbury Borough Council: 01684 295010 or report online

Stroud District Council: 01453 766321 or report online

If you are experiencing ASB from a private residence, please contact Solace for advice by either phoning 01452 396396 or report online.

10 tips for speaking to your neighbours

1. Try speaking to your neighbours informally if you have experienced a problem. Contacting the council or police before speaking first to resolve the problems, can cause bad feelings between neighbours.
2. Choose a good time to talk and only when you are feeling calm. Don’t go round when something has just happened and you are feeling angry or upset.
3. Think about what a good time for your neighbour might be, too – for example, don’t go round if you know they have just got home from work, or are likely to be having a meal.
4. Do not assign blame; talk about the effects the behaviour or situation has had on you. This makes it easier for your neighbour to hear what you are saying without becoming defensive.
5. Don’t make threats or deliver an ultimatum. Your neighbour will be more likely to respond well if you state the problem and leave them the opportunity to respond.
6. Try to keep the discussion light-hearted and friendly. It may be that there is a situation you are unaware of and this could clear the air between you. Alternatively, your neighbour may be completely unaware of the disturbance they are causing you. Assume goodwill on the part of your neighbour – if you give them the benefit of the doubt they may respond more positively.
7. You may be feeling nervous before approaching them, so take a few deep breaths first, and don’t rush it – take your time, and stop to allow the other person to respond.
8. When outlining the problem, keep it clear and stick to the facts. Don’t bring in other issues or past history to ‘prove’ your point – keep to the most recent incident that has caused your concern.
9. Listen carefully to what they have to say, and don’t interrupt them. Try to see it from their point of view, and be prepared to be reasonable. Reassure them you want to resolve the problem in a friendly way and let bygones be bygones.
10. If you can’t or don’t want to approach your neighbour in person, try writing to them.