A dispute has emerged in the Norfolk village of Mulbarton concerning a flock of peacocks whose vocalizations have prompted a formal noise complaint to the local council. The birds, which have been a presence in the community for at least 60 years, are known to roam freely, sometimes entering residents' gardens and even attempting to board local buses. The complaint, lodged by an unnamed villager with South Norfolk Council, cites the noise generated by the approximately 20-strong flock. This has led the council to investigate the matter, which could result in an abatement notice being served on the owner, retired county court Recorder Alan Steynor.
Steynor, 80, who resides at Mulbarton Hall, has owned the peacocks for two decades after inheriting them from a friend. He has expressed hope for public tolerance, stating, "I'm sorry that people might be upset but I hope British tolerance will continue to apply." He also noted that the birds officially reside at Mulbarton Hall. The council confirmed it is addressing the complaint regarding excessive noise from the birds. Following the initial complaint, other residents have come forward to voice their own frustrations.
One resident living near Mulbarton Hall described the birds as "really, really annoying," adding that they damage property, such as greenhouses. Another, Laura Sinclair, said the peacocks "do wake you up early, especially in mating season, which is quite long." She characterized the noise as a "nuisance."
The peacocks' noise is reportedly most pronounced during their mating season, which spans from April to September. During this period, males emit loud calls to attract females. Some villagers speculate that increased dissatisfaction stems from recent village development, which has brought new residents unaccustomed to the sounds of rural life. Those who have lived in Mulbarton longer emphasize that the birds were present before recent housing expansions, suggesting newcomers should have considered the village's character.
Despite the complaints, the peacocks also have supporters among Mulbarton's 4,000 residents. A staff member at the village primary school, which maintains a "peacock policy" advising pupils to avoid feeding the birds and to move away if they enter school grounds, stated, "We love them. They're magnificent creatures." Rosemary Hanson acknowledged that the birds have become noisier but does not view them as a significant problem, finding their presence pleasant.
Under UK law, peacocks are not classified as wild birds and are the responsibility of their owner. If the disturbances persist and more complaints are received, South Norfolk District Council may escalate its investigation under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. If the noise is found to significantly impact residents' lives, such as by disrupting sleep, the birds could be formally declared a statutory nuisance, leading to the abatement notice requiring Steynor to take action. A council spokesperson indicated that the usual procedure involves contacting the owner to manage the birds and informing complainants of the process if improvements are not observed.