A survey of noise complaints to local councils was recently undertaken by Noisenuisance.org.  the website is maintained by a few qualified and experienced environmental health professionals who volunteer in their spare time to help noise sufferers.   Micheal Eade looks at the findings. Noisenuisance.org recently published some of the findings into a survey  undertaken in 2014  into local authority noise complaints. The study prompted an 88% response rate from local authorities and provides a comprehensive insight […]

Community Safety Officer at Peabody housing, Mel Serghides, explains why London’s oldest provider of social housing is supporting Noise Action Week, why they take noise seriously and how Peabody tackles noise as part of its work to build thriving communities. We all hear noise from neighbours from time to time – it’s part of everyday life and keeps our neighbourhoods vibrant. However, too much noise in the wrong place at the wrong time can cause […]

Counting the cost of noise in neighbourhoods Prevention is cheaper than cure Press Release Noise is never out of the news for long – whether its disputes between neighbours and music venues, the increased hearing loss caused by exposure to loud sounds, or raised voices and barking dogs. Next week is Noise Action Week, giving services supporting noise sufferers an opportunity to speak up for cost saving, common sense approaches to keeping the peace. Most […]

Better late than never – we’ve had a quick look to see what the political parties promise on noise in their manifestos – and its mostly a bit quiet. Here’s a summary of what they say: Conservatives – specifically mention noise saying better noise barriers will be a part of their planned improved road network. They also promise a programme of pocket parks to provide respite from city streets. Labour – offer to replace low […]

Never mind the dawn chorus, at the start of summer increasing numbers of buskers come out of hibernation to entertain audiences on our streets.  While their sounds might delight passers by, street performers have potential to cause concern for listeners in neighbouring buildings – shops, buisnesses, homes – who are forced to listen – sometimes for hours on end.  Buskers are an integral part of the street scene in many city centres – bringing entertainment […]

With all the noise about the general election there is a risk of local councillors not being heard. It is your local council that has direct responsibility for dealing with neighbourhood noise. At a time when services are strained and budgets tight – check if yor council candidates care about keeping the peace in your area. It is a big issue in many towns and cities – and the biggest source of complaints that councils […]

The Chartered Institute for Environmental Health are adding their voice to the pre-election noise and have published their own manifesto setting public health priorities. Proper consideration of noise by planning is included – in the interests of a healthy environment and safe, healthy communities – as it should be. This welcome manifesto flags up the current issue of planning and noise in urban areas – where recent adjustments to planning guidance are shifting the onus […]

Motor cycles often cause anti social noise problems – especially when exhausts are tampered with to achieve powerful sounding noise. The International  Motorcycle Federation is recognising the need for motor cycle sport enthusiasts to keep the noise down and avoid annoyance to neighbours. They have produced a Ride Quiet campaign and are encouraging their networks to promote quieter riding, saying: “Very often, the sound produced by motorcycle activities can become a nuisance to people living […]

 In recent years extension of pub licensing hours and liberalisation of licensing for live music has meant that there are a much wider range of opportunities for musicians to perform. However, increasingly, with pressure for housing, and development of inner city brownfield sites, many places where music is played are faced with the prospect of residential neighbours. Many traditional live music venues established themselves in premises in former industrial areas of city centres, with few, […]

In February EPUK, CIEH and the Noise Abatement Society wrote to Communities Secretary Eric Pickles with a Freedom of Information request,  asking for evidence to support his assertion implying that local authorities have been misusing their powers when enforcing noise laws. In a  statement made on 2nd February Mr Pickles was quoted as saying `In recent years, too many town halls have been over-zealous in trying to silence church bells and village clocks which have […]