Noise complaints

We can investigate noise complaints about the following;

• loud shouting, music or televisions
• noise from commercial or industrial premises
• DIY activities
• alarms
• car repairs

If you have a complaint about a barking dog, view our dog issues page for advice.

Noise complaints we are unable to deal with:

• noise from young children
• noise from normal living behaviour, or where there is poor insulation e.g. talking (non-raised voices), vacuuming, opening & closing cupboard doors or drawers etc.
• traffic noise - contact Welsh Government (external website)
• rail noise - contact Network Rail (external website)
• air traffic noise - contact Civil Aviation Authority (external website)

Before you make a complaint

Not every noise that affects a person can be considered a nuisance that we can act on, so where possible, we would encourage you to try and resolve the issue without making a formal complaint. The problem neighbours website (external website) can help you do this. 

Report a noise pollution issue

After you have made a complaint

Once we have received your complaint, we will send you a log sheet so that you can record details of the noise taking place, or, if you have a smartphone you can download the Noise App 2.0 and make 30 second sound recordings to send to us. We will also need contact the person/company making the noise to inform them that a complaint has been made. We will examine the details on your log sheet and may arrange to carry out monitoring either in person or by using recording equipment.

We do not release the details of the complainant without the authority of that person, except for specific legal reasons later on in the investigation and enforcement proceedings.

Send us noise recordings using the Noise App 2.0

If you have a smartphone, you can use the Noise App 2.0 to send us sound recordings to support your noise complaint. The audio clips might not determine if the noise is a statutory nuisance, but can be helpful in deciding your priority level, and helping your complaint progress quickly. 

• Step 1: Download the Noise App 2.0 for free from the App Store or Google Play.
  • Download the Noise App 2.0 on the App Store (Apple devices) (external website)
  • Get the Noise App 2.0 on Google Play (Android devices) (external website)
• Step 2: Create your account and choose the service provider 'Denbighshire Environmental Health' to investigate your noise nuisance reports
• Step 3: Tap the icon to make a 30 second recording of the noise, complete a form and submit your report online.
• Step 4: Await response from us to investigate your case.

More information about the Noise App

For more detailed instructions on using the Noise App, you can read the user guide.

The Noise App user guide (PDF, 395KB)

Abatement notice

If the investigation shows the noise to be a nuisance, then we can serve an abatement notice to reduce the noise being made. 

Anonymous complaints

We will not investigate anonymous complaints. Complaints are treated in confidence, and your details will be protected. However, we need to know how we can contact you to update you on any investigation.