If you're dealing with noise issues during normal council hours in Durham, you should start by addressing the situation informally if possible. You can approach the person responsible for the noise directly or communicate with them in a letter. If the issue persists and is a statutory nuisance, the council can investigate your complaint.
To make a formal complaint about noise, you'll need to provide your name, contact details, and address. Here’s a quick summary of the types of noise the council can investigate and the steps you should take:
| Type of Noise | Investigated |
|---|---|
| Dog barking | Yes |
| Loud music | Yes |
| Loud entertainment from pubs/clubs | Yes |
| Noise from industrial/commercial premises | Yes |
| Noise from construction and demolition sites | Yes |
| Reasonable noise from homes or commercial properties | No |
| Transport noise (trains, traffic, aircraft) | No |
You can report a noise nuisance online via the council's noise complaint page. If you aren't sure about the process, keeping a record of the noise incidents and their impact will help during any investigation.