Noise Complaint Enforcement

PRIVATE
AND CONFIDENTIAL

Date:

Student ID no:                                              

Dear

Complaint about Noise Nuisance

I am sorry to say that your address has been reported as an alleged source of noise nuisance and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood. 
I am writing to advise you that this is something the university takes very seriously and together with Canterbury City Council, the Public Safety Unit, the Police and other HE institutions, we are signed up to a protocol to help address such matters.

The university has, under its procedures, an overriding duty to protect its reputation.  If there are any further complaints received the matter will be referred to your Head of Department for action under the University’s Disciplinary Procedures.  In addition, we liaise closely with Canterbury City Council and Police Public Safety Unit to gather evidence which may lead them to take action under noise nuisance legislation, such as the Environmental Protection Act (1990), or anti-social behaviour legislation.  This can lead to a fine of up to £5000 and the confiscation of property responsible for causing the disturbance (for example, stereos, CDs, musical instruments etc).  Any action by the Police, Council or Public Safety Unit will then form the basis of any subsequent university disciplinary action.

In order to avoid your household being investigated further as a source of complaint, I would be grateful if you would address this matter promptly.  The following simple steps can help improve the situation and prevent further complaints from your neighbours:  

  • please return to your house quietly, especially if this is late at night; 
  • remember that noise is more noticeable at night and even conversation in the street can wake up your sleeping neighbours;
  • please say your ‘goodbyes’ to your friends indoors and not outside in the street;
  • advise your visitors to leave your house quietly so as not to disturb your neighbours and remember that you are responsible for any noise they may make whilst leaving your property;
  • don’t play music late at night – the noise (particularly the bass notes) travel long distances and can be very annoying to others who hear it;
  • keep your house windows closed at night so that any noise from your property is contained; 
  • remember that what may appear as ‘normal’ behaviour for students may not be seen as normal by others if you are taken to Court;
  • remember that it is not an excuse to say that you were drunk and unaware that you were being noisy, or to justify your behaviour on the grounds that you are a student.

I would welcome your co-operation in seeking to address this problem and trust that there will be no further complaints about those resident at your address.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss this matter. 

Yours sincerely

Geoff Haworth

Director of Student
Support and Guidance