Bothered by Noise?
South Hams District Council receives a large number of complaints regarding noise each year. If you are bothered by noise from, for example, your neighbours, pubs, factories, shops or construction sites we may be able to help.
When investigating a complaint about noise the Council has to act within the constraints of the law and we can only take legal action where the law applies and where the necessary evidence exists.
Whilst our powers are wide ranging they do not extend to noise from traffic, aircraft (other than model aircraft) or rowdy behavior in the streets.
Principles
South Hams District Council considers that the citizens of South Hams can reasonably expect:
- to be protected from significant loss of amenity due to noise and vibration;
- to have qualified professional staff available where necessary to assess nuisance;
- not to hear someone else’s excessive noise in their home on a regular basis, eg music, barking dogs, alarms, DIY.
Please see our 
noise policy to for further information.
Practice
We do suggest that where possible you speak to your neighbour first, but if you do not feel this is appropriate please contact us to make a complaint.
Complaints may be made in person, by telephone, by letter, e.mail etc. or via a third party such as a Councillor. Details needed will include the name and address of the complainant, details of type, frequency and duration of the noise and the name and address of the person or premises causing the noise. Information on any action already taken and the outcome will also be requested.
The complaint will then be referred to the investigating officer who will contact the complainant.
To make a complaint or obtain advice about noise issues please telephone 01803 .861234 or
If you make a complaint via e-mail please make sure you include your name, address and phone number, the address and name if possible of the person causing the problem and as much information as possible about the problem.
If the problem is an emergency and occurs outside normal office hours, telephone 01803 867034.
If we are not able to prove that a nuisance exists there are other options which you may wish to look into. Please refer to the following leaflet on taking your own action.
ANONYMOUS COMPLAINTS WILL NOT NORMALLY BE INVESTIGATED |
Further Information
