Noise Problems
 If you are being disturbed by noise, call the 24 hour hotline on 207 525 5777 to report the problem.
We do not recommend you approach the noise offender, but in some cases you may be asked to keep a noise diary that may be used as evidence.
Who deals with noise and nuisance complaints?
The Southwark environmental enforcement team deals with all noise complaints, as well as other nuisances such as smells, dust, and fumes. We work seven days a week, 365 days a year and will be with you in 45 mins if you call 0207 525 5777 when the noise is happening.
What sort of nuisances do we deal with?
We can deal with:
- amplified music
- TV
- parties
- nightclubs and pubs including people outside making noise
- DIY home renovation
- construction sites
- barking dogs
- alarms
- odours and fumes from commercial properties
- smoke
- emissions and noise from works and equipment in the street.
We can’t deal with:
- traffic, trains and planes
- some domestic noises
- footsteps within homes, including noise from laminate flooring.
What happens once you have called us?
- Officers will quickly call you back to check that the noise is still happening and to get more details from you.
- If the noise is still on officers will need to visit your property (carrying ID badges) to assess the noise.
- If the noise is a nuisance they will take action against the person causing the noise in order to stop the disturbance.
Why do you we need to come to your house?
We need to show that the nuisance is disturbing you in your property and preventing what you would normally do. For example, we need to show that at night the noise would prevent the average person from sleeping.
What is a nuisance?
A nuisance is something that would prevent the average person being able to use their property for a normal use at that time of day.
For example, at night for something to be a nuisance it would need to prevent someone from sleeping, therefore the assessment would be carried out in a bedroom.
In the daytime, the assessment would be carried out in a living room, and we would need to show that the noise is so loud that it would prevent someone from watching TV or having a conversation.
What action can we take?
If something is assessed as a nuisance, we can;
- try to stop the nuisance and issue a warning if they do (first time only)
- serve a notice
- issue a fixed penalty if the notice is breached
- prosecute if the notice is breached
- seize equipment if the notice is breached (usually for ongoing complaints).
Will my complaint be confidential?
Yes, all complaints are completely confidential. Even if the person is prosecuted, it is the council that takes them to court because council officers have witnessed the nuisance. They will not find out who has complained.
What legislation is used?
We use the Environmental Protection Act 1990 sections 79 and 80 to deal with nuisance and the Control of Pollution Act 1974 to deal with construction sites.
What happens if the noise is not something that you can deal with?
If the noise is something that the council cannot deal with, such as footsteps, you can take your own action under s82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Please contact us for more details about this.
Why can’t you take action for people noise and footsteps?
The laws that we use do not allow us to serve notices on people for carrying out normal activities in their homes, or for poor sound insulation.
Where can I get more information?
- You can contact us with any questions that you might have on the number below.
- You can ask your community council or Tenants and Residents Association to invite an officer to your next meeting so that they can answer your questions.
How to contact us
Environmental Enforcement Team
Tel: 020 7525 5777 (24 hours)
environment@southwark.gov.uk
The Chaplin Centre
Thurlow Street
London SE17 2DG
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