In recent weeks we’ve come across several stories where students living in shared houses - HMOs - are causing noise problems in communities. In Durham regular student parties have led to residents changing the rooms they sleep in to avoid noise. One is even reported to be sleeping in his bath in an effort to get some peace. In Brighton residents are calling for tighter regulation on houses occupied by students to reduce the blight […]

Noise problems from music venues remain a regular feature in local and national news. Live music makes a massive contribution to the cultural capital of our towns and cities and should contribute to vibrant and healthy communities. However this should not be at a cost to the health of neighbours if they suffer from regular disruption and disturbance. Changes to planning guidance are proposed that will emphasise the responsibility of developers building near an existing […]

The Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs say that activities during Noise Action Week are one of the best ways to tackle neighbour noise in Northern Ireland. They also recommend education, through the Noise Statistics Report, and the general work of district councils, to be appropriate ways of preventing noise issues. This advice is offered with publication of noise complaint statistics showing complaints in Northern Ireland rose by 13% last year. Noise Complaint Statistics […]

Reducing road transport noise is one of the environmental improvements called for in a new report published by the Campaign for Better Transport(CfBT). “Roads and the Environment” is, they say, a ‘source book of ideas for making our roads, old and new, fit more sensitively into the landscapes and ecosystems through which they pass’. The report draws on case studies, and uses examples of improvements to existing roads that could make our road network better […]

Many homeowners – particularly in areas popular with tourists – let their homes for a few nights or weeks to make some extra money. Most of the time this works for both visitors and homeowners. However, in some cases casual lets can cause noise and nuisance problems for neighbours. Earlier this year, the problem was highlighted in Liverpool, where student accommodation is now let to summer party people. This led councillors to pass a motion […]

Headlines in local and national press often blame noise complaints for the closure music venues. There are times when a venue and its neighbours can’t coexist - but planning and building good relationships can go a long way towards enabling peaceful coexistence between entertainment premsies and neighbours. Noise Action Week is an opportunity for local authorities, venues, performers and neighbours to listen to each other when it comes to noise and create a healthy community […]