Advice given on dealing with noisy neighbours

As part of noise action week (18 to 21 May) Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is giving residents advice on dealing with noisy neighbours.

Noise nuisance can affect anyone and the borough council receives over
1000 complaints from residents every year. But with common sense and consideration, most noise nuisance can be avoided.

Most complaints about noise nuisance are about barking dogs, slamming doors, loud music and parties. The result of these can cause irritation, physical and emotional stress, sleep disturbance and lead to conflict between neighbours.

But there are simple ways to help avoid such situations:

Do:
• Warn neighbours if you plan to have a party, and let them know when it is likely to finish (at a reasonable time).
• Wear slippers or go barefoot if you live in a flat or maisonette, particularly if you have wooden or laminate flooring.
• Make your children aware that their noise can upset others and try to avoid shouting or speaking loudly yourself.
• If you have an audible intruder alarm, register your key holders with the council and police. For more details, log onto the council’s website at http://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/go/alarms or call 01256 844844.

Don’t:
• Carry out noisy DIY after 7pm or before 10am at weekends. Drilling and hammering are particularly disturbing.
• Take radios or speakers outside. Use headphones if you want to listen to the radio when relaxing in the garden.
• Play music at a level that disturbs neighbours or have regular late night parties.
• Sound car horns, slam doors or rev engines, especially at night.
• Use domestic appliances late at night, particularly if you live in a flat.


Head of Community Protection Tricia Hughes said: “Nobody wants to be disturbed in their own home. But those who do experience issues often find it very stressful. In the first instance people should try and talk to their neighbour as they may not know they are causing a disturbance.

“By talking to the council, we can give residents simple advice on how to tackle neighbour noise problems.”


For more information about noise nuisance log onto the council’s website at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/go/noisenuisance or email pollution@basingstoke.gov.uk or call 01256 844844