If your neighbours are keeping you awake with a loud party, there are steps you can take to address the issue. The question was recently raised on the Ask the Police website: "There is a loud party going on next door, can the police do anything about it?" The police response clarifies that while officers may attend such incidents depending on the situation, "in the absence of other criminal offences being committed, the police have no powers of prosecution for noise offences, and it may be necessary for you to contact your local authority."
Understanding Statutory Nuisance
Additional guidance on gov.uk states that you can request assistance from your local council if a neighbour dispute "involves an activity that is damaging to health or a nuisance." This is referred to as a 'statutory nuisance' and can include loud music, barking dogs, artificial light, and a build-up of rubbish.
Steps to Resolve the Issue
People are encouraged to try resolving the problem by speaking to their neighbours first, before approaching the council. If the council determines someone is causing a statutory noise nuisance, they must issue a 'noise abatement' order. This instructs the person on what they must do to cease creating a noise nuisance or risk further legal proceedings.
Penalties for Breaching Abatement Orders
If someone breaches an abatement order concerning noise from their home, they can be fined up to £5,000. It is important to document the noise and any communications with neighbours or authorities.
