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North Ayrshire Council

Services A to Z:

Noise Nuisance

Excessive noise can make like a misery.  Noisy neighbours, barking dogs, noise from licensed premises or construction sites are just some of the problems that can be experienced.  Many noise problems, particularly those involving neighbours, can be resolved informally by, for example, explaining to your neighbours the difficulties they are causing.  However, when this approach fails the Council may be able to help.

How You Can Make A Complaint

All noise complaints can be made through our office during the following days and times:-

Monday - Thursday 0900 hrs - 1645 hrs

Fridays - 0900 hrs - 1630 hrs

Friday and Saturday night - 1800 hrs - 0400 hrs the following morning 

Ayrshire's Environmental Health Free Noise Helpline - 0800 73 10 410

A freephone 24 hour noise answering machine service has been provided to allow complaints to be made at any time of the day.  Calls received outwith office hours and Friday/Saturday night are logged and acted upon.


Types of Noise

Environmental Health can investigate most types of unwanted noise. The type of noise can broadly be split into two main categories - dependant on the source i.e. domestic or non-domestic.

Domestic Noise

Examples of domestic noise include:-

  • Amplified music
  • DIY or car repairs
  • Domestic appliances (e.g.. T.V, washing machine etc.)
  • Musical instruments
  • Domestic alarms
  • Barking dogs
  • Banging doors
  • Raised voices

Non-Domestic Noise

Non-domestic noise is noise which originates from any source other than a domestic property.  Examples include:-

  • Commercial/Industrial Alarms
  • Commercial Premises
  • Industrial Premises
  • Entertainment/Music (e.g. public houses, nightclubs)
  • Construction/Demolition
  • Roadworks

Notices and Fines

Warning notices could be issued where a noise-maker fails to stop or turn down the unwanted noise within 10 minutes of service of the Notice.  Failure to do so could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 being issued.  Fixed Penalty Notices are required to be paid within 28 days.  

Contact Details

North Ayrshire Council

Corporate Services

Environmental Health

First Floor

Cunninghame House

Irvine, KA12 8EE

Tel No: 01294-324300

Fax No: 01294-324360

Email :

EnvironmentalHealth@north-ayrshire.gov.uk