Dealing with Noisy Neighbours

In a bid to cut the number of noise nuisance complaints, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is launching a new leaflet to coincide with National Noise Action Week.

Dealing with Noisy Neighbours, now available on the council website, includes advice for residents experiencing noise related problems. It helps to explain what defines a statutory noise nuisance, how to make a complaint to the council and what will happen once a complaint has been made.

Noise Action Week, running until Friday 30 April, is an annual initiative coordinated by Environmental Protection UK, which aims to raise awareness of the problems caused by neighbour noise and the solutions available to tackle it.

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. As part of the awareness week the council is also advising residents on how they can reduce noise and 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, see the council’s website at 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 is 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.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Interim Head of Environmental Care Lisa Kirkman said: “Neighbour noise can have a real impact on people’s quality of life and lead to a lot of stress. It is hoped that this leaflet will help any residents experiencing problems with noise to know the best course of action to take.

“In the first instance we would encourage residents to try and talk to their neighbour as they may not know they are causing a disturbance; it is surprising how often neighbours are unaware of the disturbance. Most will be glad to do what they can to reduce the noise.”

For more information on noise action week visit www.noiseactionweek.org.uk

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.