Why act to reduce noise?

We all hear noise from neighbours and can all act to reduce noise at home. Sound is part of everyday life and keeps our neighbourhoods vibrant. However, too much noise in the wrong place at the wrong time can disturb, annoy and upset neighbours.  Government research published in January 2015 found 48% – nearly half of us – feel our home life is spoilt by noise.  This research also found a fifth of people are kept awake by noise at night and many had complained about the noise. Noise disturbance often happens because people simply forget others can hear them – and many problems can be resolved by talking to neighbours and being aware of their lifestyles.

Common noises that disturb, annoy or wake people up are:

• Loud music
• Loud TV
• Voices – indoors or in the street
• Slamming doors, walking on hard flooring
• Noise from licensed premises
• Noisy pets – barking dogs
• Household appliances – washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, fridges/freezers
• DIY/Building work

With working hours for businesses often extended late into the night and early mornings and late night shops and pubs, many of us having different working, waking and sleeping patterns to our neighbours. We often don’t know when our neighbours work or sleep so getting to know them reduces the likelihood of noise problems.

There are many simple, practical solutions to everyday noise at home, that can reduce the disturbance we cause our neighbours – and the rest of our household.

> See our Reducing noise in the home page for examples of action you can take.

> If you are being bothered by excessive noise, see our Dealing with noise problems page.