NUISANCE noises have caused hundreds of complaints in Herefordshire in recent years. 

But newly released figures obtained through a freedom of information request show action was only taken against a tiny fraction of those responsible in the county.

The data from Herefordshire Council showed that hundreds of complaints about noisy neighbours are being made by locals each year, with 367 reports in 2022 and 328 in 2023. A total of 67 reports were recorded from January 1 to March 31, 2024.

And the total number of all noise complaints in the county was a huge 759 in 2022, 648 in 2023, and 115 to March 31 this year.

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But, the figures reveal, no noise abatement notices or fines were issued to domestic properties in 2022, while one noise abatement order was issued to a licensed premises.

In 2023, one noise abatement order was issued to a domestic property and three were issued to licensed premises, while no noise abatement orders or fines have been issued in 2024 so far.

What is noise nuisance?

Herefordshire Council says noise is defined as a nuisance in law "if it causes injury, is likely to cause injury, or interferes unreasonably with someone's personal comfort or enjoyment".

It can include music, house and car alarms, DIY at unreasonable hours, and barking dogs in homes, while commercial and industrial premises noise nuisances can include entertainment, ventilation systems, alarms, revellers, construction, and demolition.

What are your thoughts?

You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by clicking here.

Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence.

How can I report noise nuisance?

Herefordshire Council recommends talking to the person responsible first, but if help is needed you can make a formal complaint by contacting the council. Click here for more information.

What action can the council take?

Herefordshire Council says that it may send an abatement notice instructing the noisemaker to stop the disturbance if it is deemed that action needs to be taken. The authority can also apply for a warrant of the peace and seize offending equipment.

Ignoring a notice could lead to proceedings in the magistrates court, with potential fines of up to £5,000 for domestic offenders and £20,000 for commercial offenders.