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Noisy Neighbours

Noise - Neighbours

 

Noise can cause disruption and distress to people at home, at leisure and at work. Surveys of noise show that the most common noise complaint is caused by neighbours — mainly loud music or TV, DIY, barking dogs, audible intruder alarms or regarding laminate flooring.

 

Neighbour Noise!!

 

Noise can cause disruption and distress to people at home, at leisure and at work.


Surveys of noise show that the most common noise complaint is caused by neighbours — mainly loud music or TV, DIY, barking dogs, audible intruder alarms or regarding laminate flooring.

 


During Noise Action Week Glasgow City Council invites you to consider neighbour noise and to ask yourself:-


• Are you a good neighbour?  You may not be aware you are causing noise to those near you!

Common causes of annoyance to neighbours and practical steps that can be taken to minimise it include;

Noise example

 

 

Loud Music or T.V.

 

As hi-fi equipment and televisions become more powerful, it becomes more and more important to ensure the volume you listen to this equipment at is monitored to prevent disturbance to neighbours.
Powerful hi-fi’s and television sets can cause a lot of distress to neighbours. 

 

To avoid causing a nuisance;-


• Keep the volume down;
• Place speakers away from partition walls, floors and ceilings;
• Consider wearing headphones, especially late at night;
• Warn your neighbours in advance if you are having a party.

 

 

 

D.I.Y


Everyone at some point requires to do work around the house, and by its nature, D.I.Y. is usually a loud activity.


Ideally you should carry out noisy work at times when it is unlikely to disturb neighbours, such as during the day or earlier in the evening, leaving quieter work till later.


It may be a good idea to warn neighbours in advance.

 

 

 

Laminate Flooring

 

Anyone who is planning to fit laminate or wooden flooring should be aware of the likely effect the use of these floors will have on neighbours, particularly if you occupy an upper flat.


The impact noise from items being dropped, kids playing or even just walking on the floor with outdoor shoes can be very annoying for those below.


Care must also be taken in fitting laminate or other wooden flooring. If it is nailed down on top of an existing floor it may create areas of acoustic weakness which allow noise to transmit through the floor.

 

Noise insulation should also be suitably fitted to minimise transmission of noise.

 

 

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM?

 


• Some people do not realise they are causing a problem to their neighbours and therefore the first step may be to approach your neighbour politely and explain the problem.  In most cases good neighbours will be glad to reduce the noise.  However some neighbours may react angrily and an approach to them might not be successful.


• Landlords or housing associations may be able to assist through the Conditions of Tenancy.


• Most, but not all, areas of Scotland have mediation services.  The Scottish Mediation Network will be able to advise you whether there is a service local to you. 

 

 

You can contact them:

 

Phone: 0131 556 1221

 

email: www.scottishmediation.org.uk

 

 


• If the problem is serious or persists you should contact Glasgow City Council Land and Environmental Services (LES) for advice.  The Council has a statutory duty to investigate noise complaints and will be able to take formal action where appropriate. The Council Environmental Health Officers should be able to assist you by taking action or giving advice.

 

During Office Hours (Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm)

 

Telephone 0141 287 6688

 

email public.health@eps.glasgow.gov.uk

 

 

 

• LES  also have an Out of Office Hours Unit that you can contact.

 

Telephone 0141 287 6688

 

email oohu@eps.glasgow.gov.uk

 

 


• Find out about Glasgow City Council’s commitment to dealing with your noise complaint

 

 

Click here for info on GCC commitment to dealing with your noise complaint.

 

 

• Where loud music, TV or singing is a problem the Police also have powers to require people playing equipment or musical instruments to turn the noise down.


• In some circumstances you can take action by yourself by complaining directly to the Court.

Noise - help