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Neighbourhood Noise
If you are being bothered by neighbourhood noise, the Council may be able to help.
Opening Times: Contact: Address: Out of Hours Service Friday and Saturday 20.00 to 01.00 Tel: 01527 67666 |
Sound is essential to our daily lives, but noise is not - noise can be defined as unwanted sound. It is a source of irritation and stress for many people. Many of us are exposed to stressful levels of noise at home and at work.
Last year, the Council received 597 complaints relating to noise from:
- Noisy Neighbours – Loud Music, TV, Barking Dogs. DIY Noise, House Alarms
- Commercial Noise – Construction Sites, Pubs and Clubs, Industrial Units
What to so if you are affected by Noise?
If only we all liked the same sounds – and at the same time – life would be so much simpler. But we don’t. When it comes to the everyday sounds of a busy neighbourhood, we each have different lifestyles, different tastes and different tolerances.
Everyone makes noise of one sort or another and it would be unreasonable to expect to live in complete silence. However, if you are concerned about noise from a neighbouring property, you may like to consider the following action:
Decide whether a discussion with the person/company making the noise may be worthwhile. If so, approach them and explain politely that you are being troubled by noise.
Alternatively, you could write to them explaining the problem and the effect if is having on you and ask them to reduce the noise. Keep a copy of this letter.
Start a diary of events, recording the dates, times and duration of the noise, the source of the noise and how it affected you. Also, keep a record of any conversations you may have or any letters you write.
If the nuisance persists, contact the Environmental Health Service at the Town Hall [01527 534017] during normal office hours. You may need to leave a message if an officer is not available to talk to you. Someone will call you back, usually within 24 hours. Should the noise occur on a Friday or Saturday night between the hours of 20.00 and 01.00, please call 01527 67666. An officer will contact you to discuss your complaint and will visit you if necesasry to witness the noise.
If the noise is domestic and you live in a Council house, you should discuss the problem with your local Neighbourhood Housing Office, who may refer your case to the Council’s Anti Social Behaviour Team.
Once the diary sheets have been returned, the person allegedly causing the nuisance will be informed of the complaint although your identity will be kept confidential.
Alternatively, you can come into the Town Hall to make your complaint. If you wish to discuss the problem with an Environmental Health Officer, it is best to make an appointment. At this stage, if the noise is on during the day, you can call the Officer dealing with your case, if the officer is available, he/she will attempt to visit to assess the noise in your property.
Once a statutory nuisance has been witnessed, formal action under The Environmental Protection Act 1990 will be taken. Formal action is taken by serving a legal notice on the person responsible and will require the abatement of the nuisance. The notice will specify the time period within which the nuisance is to be abated. The complainant may be required to give a statement of the facts of the complaint at this stage, which may be used in court proceedings.
If, once the time specified in the notice has expired or where an appeal has been heard and overruled by a court, the requirements of the notice are breached, the Council can prosecute the offender in the Court. If the prosecution is successful then the offender may be fined. The Council can also seizure any noise making equipment from the premises. |
How to be a considerate Neighbour?
What’s music to your ears could well be ‘that awful row’ to your neighbour; nocturnal vacuuming may suit your lifestyle, but it’s giving the person in the flat below sleepless nights; and your dog barking after you’ve left for work is slowly driving the young mother next door crazy.
If you can hear the stereo being played upstairs, chances are your neighbour can hear it too.
Some noise is unavoidable – but there are simple ways to avoid disturbing others and positive steps you can take if you’re fed up with suffering in silence.
Why noise is a problem…
Repetitive noise, day-in-day out, can lead to stress and make life miserable, especially for the housebound and those with health problems.
There is evidence that people are becoming more concerned about noise. There are a number of possible reasons for this. People have different sensitivities and expectations. While many of us have more time to pursue varied leisure interests, we don’t always stop to think about what impact our activities are having on others.
But remember that the problem isn’t always one of inconsiderate behaviour. Even homes that have reasonably good sound insulation may not cope with powerful modern stereos and other mod cons that can make life comfortable for us, but uncomfortably noisy for others.
Top Tips
Stereo and TV
Be mindful of the volume or consider using headphones. It is best to pull the TV and speakers away from your neighbours’ walls, and if possible, raise them from the floor to stop the vibration.
Household Chores
Don’t mow the lawn or start the DIY at the crack of dawn. You may be an early riser, but others could be trying to get some rest – especially at the weekend. Night owls should equally think about doing their vacuuming or washing at less ‘anti-social’ hours.
Parties
If you’re planning a party, your neighbours are likely to be much more understanding if you warn them well in advance – you could even invite them. Either way, don’t ruin their evening – and encourage guests to be equally respectful, particularly when arriving and leaving.
Dogs
Dogs may bark because they are lonely. Constant barking or whining can be disturbing to your neighbours as well as upsetting the animal. A well-trained dog will not bark unnecessarily.
Cars
Don’t play your car stereo to the world at large – what you may consider good music, may not be to the taste of others. Make sure your music isn’t disturbing others, especially when you’re parked or waiting for someone. Make sure you so not make a noise when carrying out car repairs. Also ensure that your alarm is installed properly and doesn’t set off when people walk past.
Alarms
Make sure a keyholder can be contracted if your house alarm goes off while you’re away and that your neighbours are aware of how to contact them. Regular maintenance to ensure that your alarm doesn’t go off accidentally.
Your Home
Noise can travel through walls so avoid having louder rooms i.e. lounge and kitchen opposite your neighbour’s quieter rooms, i.e. study and bedroom. Avoid slamming doors and thundering up stairs.
Other useful sites.
www.nsca.org.uk
www.cieh.org
www.defra.gov.uk
Last modification: 13:27:28, 27th November, 2008 by Environmental Protection
Review date: 19th February, 2009
