Cambridge City Council has prosecuted a noisy neighbour in a case presented to Cambridge Magistrates’ Court.

Following noise complaints about Ben Thornton of Howard Road, Cambridge, the council carried out an investigation and determined that he was causing a statutory noise nuisance by playing loud music that was disturbing neighbours. The council issued a noise abatement notice to Mr Thornton which, when issued, requires a resident to reduce the noise they are making. Mr Thornton continued to cause a noise nuisance.

As a result, the council obtained a warrant from Cambridge Magistrates’ Court that allowed them to enter the resident’s property, with support from the police. Mixing decks, speakers, and stereo systems were seized from the property. In October 2023, the case was presented to Cambridge Magistrates’ Court, where Mr Thornton was found guilty on five counts of breaching the noise abatement notice. He was fined a total of £3,924 including costs and a victim surcharge. In addition, a forfeiture order was granted, and the equipment seized was disposed of by the council.

Cllr Rosy Moore, Executive Councillor for Climate Action and Environment said, “Living with constant noise nuisances can be really difficult and can make being in your home intolerable. Residents should be able to enjoy their homes without intrusive noise from nearby properties.

“Whilst sometimes it may be possible to talk to your neighbour who may be causing a noise nuisance, we understand that residents don’t always feel comfortable doing so. It is important that if this is the case, residents report noise issues to us so that we can mediate and where necessary take action to stop it.

“We take incidents of noise nuisance very seriously – it can be a very unpleasant situation. In order to be able to enjoy the best our communities have to offer, it is important that we be considerate of one and other.”

If you are troubled by a noise nuisance you may wish to speak to your neighbour if you feel safe to do so. If not, you are encouraged to report noise nuisance here.