Noise, nuisance and antisocial behaviour
Councils have legal powers to investigate issues that could be considered a nuisance or antisocial behaviour. The issue could be classed as a nuisance if it affects you:
- at your home or business;
- on a repeated basis.
For most situations we recommend you speak to your neighbours to try to resolve the issue first. If this does not improve the situation, or is not possible, then we may be able to help.
What can I report?
- noise from premises or from vehicles, equipment or machinery in the street
- smoke from premises (including bonfires)
- dust or smells from commercial premises
- artificial light from premises
- insect infestations from commercial premises
- accumulations on premises (for example piles of rubbish rotting or attracting vermin)
- premises with substantial numbers of rats or mice
Nuisance and Anti-Social Behaviour Guide (PDF) [1MB]
What can I not report?
- Noise from people in the street
- Smells from dwellings
- Street lights
- Road traffic, aircraft or railway noise
- One-off situations unless they are affecting a large number of households
- Reasonable everyday activities such a vacuuming or using the washing machine.
What will happen after I make a complaint?
This depends on the type of complaint.
- We may contact the people you have complained about
- We may ask you to complete a Diary record form (Word doc) [201KB] before we do this
- We may visit to see or hear the situation for ourselves
- We will try to resolve the case without legal action first
- We may take enforcement action such as an Abatement Notice or a Community Protection Warning
- We will not identify you to the person you have complained about unless you agree for us to do so
What if no action is taken?
If the council decides no action can be taken, you can try:
- Discussing the situation with your neighbours to try and reach an agreement.
- Visit the West Sussex Mediation service (opens new window) service. Trained mediators can help to resolve a variety of disagreements and misunderstandings between people.
- Taking your own legal action
Noise from Goodwood Motor Circuit and Aerodrome
For detailed information concerning the motor circuit and aerodrome, please see the following documents.
Goodwood Motor Circuit and Aerodrome Noise Control (PDF) [72KB]