A survey published last year found that almost 39,000 complaints about neighbour noise were made to Scottish councils in 2021, and the Scottish Household Survey shows that 9% of adults feel that noisy neighbours or regular loud parties are a very or fairly common occurrence. 

The situation in South Lanarkshire reflects this, with more than 3,600 domestic noise complaints being received last year (that’s around 87% of all noise complaints received by Environmental Services).

Environmental Services can investigate noise complaints and take action where noise levels are found to be excessive – a warning notice can be served on anyone responsible for noise and they can be fined if the noise continues. Officers also have powers to seize any noise making equipment. 

As the majority of noise problems occur at night, Environmental Services have operated an out of hours noise team since 2005. The team operates from 4.30pm until 3am seven nights a week and can be contacted on 0800 24 20 24 (option 3).

Chair of the council's Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown, said: “Domestic noise can be a big annoyance to neighbours. I was surprised at just how many reports there have been to the council in the last year.

“Over the past five years the out of hours team have issued 722 warning notices and 20 fixed penalty notices, with noise making equipment being seized on seven occasions.

“When officers witness excessive noise, they may decide to speak informally to the person responsible, to encourage them to keep the noise down. 

“This happened a lot during the covid lockdowns when officers had to deal with soaring numbers of domestic noise complaints whilst being mindful that many people were struggling to deal with the effects of the pandemic on their mental health.

“However, where it is merited officers will take formal action to resolve noise problems.”  

Further information can be found on the council's website, and to report a noise issue during office hours call 0303 123 1015 or the out of office hours number is 0800 24 20 24.