Noisy compost-mixing neighbour prosecuted by Council
Published: 22 September 2023
The resident of Friary Avenue found themselves in front of Derby Magistrates after breaching an Abatement Notice.
A Derby resident has been handed over £2000 in costs and fines after using a noisy compost mixer at all hours. The resident of Friary Avenue found themselves in front of Derby Magistrates after breaching an Abatement Notice the Council had handed them.
The Council first received complaints about the noisy neighbour and their compost mixer in April 2020 and a warning was issued to the resident. However, further recordings were sent to the Council via the Noise App which showed that the compost mixer was still being used by the resident at all hours of the day, disturbing neighbours.
As a result, the Council issued the resident with a Noise Abatement Notice that required the noise from the compost mixer to be reduced.
Despite being issued with the Abatement Notice, the noise continued, and further recordings of the compost mixer were sent to the Council, giving clear evidence that the resident was continuously in breach of the abatement notice put in place to give neighbouring properties relief from the noise.
The Friary Avenue resident attended Derby Magistrates Court on Monday 14 August and pleaded not guilty to breaching the Abatement Notice. They were sentenced and handed fines and costs totalling £2119.14 which included:
- Prosecution costs of £1,226.14
- Fine £812.00
- Victim surcharge £81.00
Councillor, Shiraz Khan Cabinet Member for Housing, Property and Regulatory Services commented:
“Our residents have the right to feel safe and relaxed in their own homes. This prosecution shows that we will take the appropriate action to address issues such as noise, so that our residents can live happy, healthy lives.
“It’s also another great example of partnership working with the Environmental Protection Team, The Public Protection Officer team and Derby Homes, working closely to ensure the best possible outcome for our communities.”
If you have a noisy neighbour and would like further help or support, please contact the Environmental Protection Team online or call 01332 642020.