A Dagenham resident has been hit with a substantial financial penalty exceeding £4,000 following persistent complaints about excessively loud music that caused vibrations in neighbouring properties.
Council Takes Enforcement Action
Mr Peter Hewit of Bentry Road faced ongoing enforcement action from Barking and Dagenham Council's Noise Nuisance Team after multiple warnings about the amplified music emanating from his address. The council confirmed that the noise constituted a statutory nuisance under environmental protection legislation.
Legal Proceedings and Financial Penalties
The court ordered Mr Hewit to pay a total of £2,094, comprising a £660 fine, £264 victim surcharge, and £1,170 in costs. This followed his appearance at Barkingside Magistrates Court on February 3, 2026, after he failed to pay an earlier Fixed Penalty Notice.
Council officers first attended the property on May 6 last year in response to complaints about extremely loud amplified music. They immediately advised Mr Hewit to reduce the volume due to the significant impact on neighbours.
Repeated Breaches Despite Warnings
An abatement notice under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 was issued on May 7, requiring the noise to stop immediately. However, on May 16, officers witnessed further loud amplified music causing vibrations, confirming a breach of the abatement notice.
Despite being warned in person and issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice, which would have prevented further action if paid, Mr Hewit failed to comply. The council has since received 37 complaints about ongoing loud amplified music at the address, demonstrating persistent disregard for both neighbours and legal requirements.
Council's Strong Stance on Noise Disturbance
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, emphasised: "Everyone has the right to feel safe and comfortable in their own home, free from excessive and unreasonable noise. Despite being given multiple warnings and opportunities to change his behaviour, Mr Hewit chose to ignore the impact his actions were having on his neighbours."
"This outcome sends a clear message: we will not hesitate to take action against individuals who repeatedly cause disturbance and fail to comply with the law."
A further breach was witnessed on January 9, 2026, just prior to the court hearing, indicating continued non-compliance despite the impending legal proceedings.
