I think some people just really like to complain. Our neighbour at the back of our house reported us to the council not long after we first moved in. It was just ridiculous, we had an apple tree full of canker, which other half removed and got rid of via a couple of bonfires. Which, apparently, smoked out the entire street opposite and our neighbour very nearly had to call the fire brigade! I mean, really, I laughed when I read it, it was just so hilarious. I think he'd have got done for wasting their time if he had, it wasn't even a big bonfire and it wasn't a windy day either. He was worried the ash may blow onto his precious soft-top car and damage the hood, well put the flippin thing in the garage then is what I thought.
Anyway, other half wrote a nice letter to council explaining it was this apple tree which council website specifically recommends bonfires to get rid of diseased wood and that it was after 8pm to ensure no washing etc was out but that in future he'd leave wood to dry for at least two weeks before bonfire and not have more than one a month. Put copy through neighbours door and half hour later we'd had a reply pop back through! Honestly, some people just have nothing better to do do they!
We've not had a bonfire since anyway.
I'd be very surprised if they don't report us when our chickens arrive too but have already checked with council about it and they said as long as they aren't too noisy, or lead to rats etc it shouldn't be a problem. We're only getting 3 so I really don't see how they can make any more noise than dogs/cats.
My neighbour the other side (semi-detached) has her music so loud and I've not complained, one day, I kid you not my lounge floor was vibrating it was that loud.
Your neighbours name isn't Victor Meldrew by any chance is it craig1981? :o)