Rossendale Borough Council has successfully secured a prosecution against a resident who was found guilty of two offences of breaching a noise abatement notice relating to loud amplified music.
The case was heard at court on 19th August 2026, following complaints from neighbouring residents and an investigation by the Council's Environmental Health team.
The first complaint was received in February 2024. Following investigation and correspondence with the resident, a noise abatement notice was served on 25th September 2024, requiring the loud amplified music to be decreased.
The notice was not appealed, meaning the resident was legally required to comply with its terms.
However, further evidence was gathered of breaches of the notice, including incidents on 30th May 2025 and 24th August 2025.
At the hearing, the court considered evidence from the Council's Senior Environmental Health Officer and two neighbouring residents.
In reaching its decision, the court described the behaviour as a deliberate and persistent course of conduct, noting that the defendant knew that neighbours were being significantly disturbed by the noise.
The defendant was found guilty of both offences and, taking into account their personal circumstances and mental health difficulties, was sentenced to:
- £100 fine for each offence – £200 in total
- £600 contribution towards the Council's prosecution costs
- £800 total
Councillor Adrian Lythgoe, Lead Member for Environment and Corporate Services, said: “People should be able to enjoy their homes without being subjected to persistent noise nuisance. Our Environmental Health team worked carefully with the residents affected, gathered the evidence needed and successfully brought this case to court.”
“This prosecution shows that where a noise abatement notice is repeatedly breached, we will take action to protect the quality of life of local residents.”
A successful prosecution such as this follows detailed work by the Council's Environmental Health team to investigate complaints, gather evidence and establish whether legal action is appropriate. Rossendale Borough Council's approach is to work to resolve noise problems wherever possible, but where a person continues to breach a noise abatement notice, enforcement action can be taken.
You can report noise complaints on the Rossendale Borough Council here: Noise Complaint Form | Instructions – Rossendale Borough Council