Unwavering action by the city council has led to the successful prosecution of two Norwich residents for making the lives of nearby neighbours a misery because of persistent noise.
The successful court action for breaches of a Noise Abatement Notice (NAN) came after the council received numerous complaints from residents* about excessive noise, which severely impacted their ability to work, sleep and live peacefully.
The ongoing loud music caused significant disruption to neighbours who had to endure sleepless nights. Some residents were even forced to find alternative accommodation, such as sleeping in a vehicle, to escape the disturbance.
Despite multiple warnings, the offenders continued their behaviour, prompting the council to take further action. Council officers personally witnessed the excessive noise on several occasions, leading to the installation of specialist Norsonic equipment to record noise levels. This led to residents recording 747 separate noise incidents over 18 months using the council's noise app.
Earlier this year, the individuals appeared before Norwich Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to multiple breaches of the NAN, which had been issued earlier this year. Both were fined £400, with additional costs including a £160 victim surcharge, £100 in legal fees, and £50 in enforcement and investigation costs, bringing the total to £710, payable in monthly instalments of £100.
This dogged determination by the city council to pursue offenders through the court helps deliver one of its priorities ‘A fairer Norwich’, as set out in the organisation’s community-led plan ‘We Are Norwich’ which advocates for all residents to have a good quality of life.
As part of the court proceedings, the council applied for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which will be reviewed at a hearing Spring 2025. If granted, the CBO will prohibit the individuals from playing loud music and will remain in place for a minimum of two years, any breach of its conditions could lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment.
The court issued a strong warning to the defendants, emphasising the serious consequences of their actions and the potential for further legal action if the disturbances continue.
Councillor Beth Jones, the council’s cabinet member for housing, said:
“This case highlights the importance of being considerate towards neighbours. Excessive noise can have a devastating impact on people’s lives, particularly when it prevents them from getting the rest they need or from working. We take noise complaints very seriously and will continue to take legal action against those who disrupt the peace of their communities.”
We encourage residents affected by noise pollution to report issues through the council's noise complaint service. Residents can also use the noise app, which allows them to record and submit evidence of noise disturbances directly to the council.
*We have removed names and addresses in this article so that neighbours cannot be recognised.
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