Mansfield residents can use app to report nuisance noise problems

The Noise App is available from the Google Play and Apple app stores and can record and capture noise issues, which can then be submitted via the app to Mansfield Council to investigate.

In 2022, the council received 315 noise complaints and two legal notices were served.

This year, there have been 221 complaints so far and legal notices have been served in three cases.

In one, the council is working with the landlord of a property to evict a tenant, in another, a pub has changed the way it operates, while further legal proceedings are expected in the third case.

Coun Angie Jackson, council joint portfolio holder for wellbeing, health and safer communities, said: “Often during the summer and when people are holding more parties during the holiday season, complaints to the council about noisy neighbours increase.

“This simple app enables those affected to capture the evidence that the council needs to take action against those responsible. The app also allows users to keep a noise diary.”

The most common causes of noise nuisance complaints come from barking dogs, loud music or televisions, shouting, intruder alarms and DIY activities.

To avoid issues with burglar alarms, the council recommends fitting an automatic cutout device to stop the alarm ringing after 20 minutes, and giving a key and the alarm code to a neighbour, so someone can disable and reset the alarm if ever there is a problem while a householder is away . People who own burglar alarms should also have their alarm regularly serviced.

David Evans, council head of health and communities, said: “We can all expect some level of neighbour noise and we will not take action against noise relating to day-to-day activities.

“We have no powers to deal with noise from transport, people in the street or from emergency repairs by utility companies.

“We also cannot always help people with unrealistic expectations or who fall outside what is loosely termed ‘ordinary’. This includes people particularly sensitive to noise and shift workers.”