Noise pollution from neighbours
Householders are being asked to think of their neighbours – by keeping noise down!
With people confined to their homes through the coronavirus pandemic, there is more noise than usual – be that people working from home or children being home schooled.
And environmental health officers from Richmondshire District Council say they will investigate all noise complaints – despite the pandemic. They have changed working practices to make it safe for them to work.
“We will all be hearing more noise from our neighbours than we are used to and this may lead to frustration or annoyance,” said Environmental Health Manager, Sonia Bagshaw.
“We must consider how our activities may impact on those around us and also be tolerant of others in this temporary situation. Anyone worried about noise should contact us, however, it may be that understanding and patience rather than formal action or intervention by the council is appropriate at this time.”
Here are some hints and tips on common noise problems:
Entertainment noise
- Keep the volume to a reasonable level that cannot be heard outside your home - keep windows closed, the bass level down and position speakers away from adjoining walls, floors and ceilings
- Keep loud music in the garden at or below conversation level or wear headphones
- It is a common misunderstanding that anyone is allowed to play their music as much and as loudly as they like up to 11pm – this is wrong. Noise nuisance can be caused at any time of day or night
DIY
- Only carry out noisy DIY such as drilling, sawing or hammering between 9am and 6pm. Try not using noisy power tools for more than three hours a day, avoiding the weekend
- Talk to your neighbours, observing social distancing rules, about any work and compromise if there are times that they ask you to avoid for a genuine reason
Barking dogs
- Dogs barking maybe be less common at the moment as they are not being left alone. However once restrictions are lifted, they may experience separation anxiety
Parties
- Current restrictions mean that there should be no socialising with anyone who you don't live with, including in outdoor areas. Any complaint concerning noise from a party or a social gathering will be investigated, as this may not only amount to a noise disturbance but also a breach of the Government’s coronavirus social distancing requirements.
Further details are available on our noise and coronavirus page.