London Borough of Bexley (20 004 041)

Statement Not upheld Noise 11-Jan-2021

Summary: We have discontinued our investigation of this complaint, about a series of investigations by the Council’s environmental health department. This is because it concerns matters which are either late, and/or carried appeal rights the complainant could have used. A complaint of harassment by a neighbour, and the Council’s failure to disclose information, are best addressed by other bodies.

Westminster City Council (20 000 583)

Statement Not upheld Noise 05-Jan-2021

Summary: Ms B complained that the Council took insufficient action to respond to complaints of noise nuisance following the conclusion of a previous complaint to the Ombudsman. She said she was still being disturbed by noise from her neighbour’s property. We are unable to find fault in the actions of the Council.

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (20 000 739)

Statement Not upheld Noise 21-Dec-2020

Summary: Mrs X complains the Council has failed to act on noise nuisance caused by her neighbour. We have found no fault by the Council in deciding that there is no noise nuisance at the premises.

Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council (20 007 692)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Noise 21-Dec-2020

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about nuisance, including noise and pollution, from an industrial site near the complainant’s home. We are unlikely to find fault in how the Council has considered the complainant’s concerns. The complainant can seek a remedy in court if she believes a statutory nuisance exists.

London Borough of Southwark (20 002 111)

Statement Not upheld Noise 19-Dec-2020

Summary: There is no evidence of fault with the Council’s decision to refuse Mr C’s request to move a cycle storage unit, which is close to his property.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council (20 005 705)

Statement Upheld Noise 14-Dec-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman has not found fault with the Council’s decision not to take further action about Miss X’s noise complaint. Miss X also raises a complaint concerning a breach of confidentiality about a safeguarding matter, but the Ombudsman has not determined any fault. However, there was fault by the Council about its communications with Miss X. This caused Miss X an injustice and the Ombudsman has recommended a remedy.

Dorset Council (20 001 868)

Statement Upheld Noise 09-Dec-2020

Summary: The Council failed to investigate whether noise from
Mrs X’s neighbour was a statutory nuisance. This is fault. The Council should investigate the possible nuisance, apologise to Mrs X, and pay her £350.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council (20 001 378)

Statement Not upheld Noise 27-Nov-2020

Summary: Mrs X complains about the Council’s actions in relation to her noise nuisance reports and complaints against her neighbour. The Ombudsman finds no fault with the Council’s actions.

Birmingham City Council (20 000 991)

Statement Upheld Noise 25-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr B complains the Council has not dealt properly with his complaints about noise and disturbance. The Council is at fault because it did not investigate Mr B’s initial complaints and has not taken the action it said it would. The Council has agreed to apologise to Mr B, pay Mr B £100 for his time and trouble, investigate Mr B’s noise complaint, review parking arrangements and review its complaint handling.

Northampton Borough Council (20 005 401)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Noise 06-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr X complains about the Council’s lack of action in relation to his complaints of neighbour nuisance. The Ombudsman will not investigate the complaint because we are unlikely to find evidence of fault and it is open to Mr X to co-operate with the Council in the way it has requested.