Fined for breaching noise abatement notice

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is highlighting the need for noisy neighbours served with noise abatement notices to comply with the requirements or risk being taken to court and fined following a successful prosecution by environmental health officers.  

Magistrates recently fined a householder for contravening a notice requiring him to not play amplified music at unreasonable or excessive levels, and at unreasonable times, such that the music could be audible inside neighbouring residential properties.  

"This case is typical of many of the noise complaints investigated by officers in the Council's Environmental Protection Team," says Cllr Simon Jackson, the District Council's Portfolio Holder for the Environment.  

"Most complaints are resolved by officers on an informal basis in discussion with the parties involved.  However, if the offending party does not co-operate and the officer is satisfied that the noise amounts to a statutory nuisance an abatement notice has to be served.  This recent case demonstrates the Council's commitment to take cases to court for non-compliance with a notice."  

Non-compliance with an abatement notice is an offence, which is punishable by a fine of up to £5,000 and up to £20,000 if the noise is emitted from non-domestic premises.  

Anyone concerned over excessive noise levels that are affecting the use and enjoyment of their premises can contact the Environmental Protection Team on 01789 260835.