The most common source of nuisance is often generated by our neighbours and in some cases the noise can become a problem. This can occur through unreasonable behaviour, poor sound insulation between properties and sometimes individual sensitivities to noise.

Noise that becomes a problem is normally dependent on how loud it is, how long it lasts, how often it occurs and the pitch of the particular noise.

 

Remember, that although you may be troubled by noise, you should also consider whether you also make similar noise that bothers other people. The following guide looks at some common causes of neighbour noise and how that noise can be reduced. It also looks at who will help if the informal approach fails.

 

Radios, TVs and Stereos 

 

Place the equipment away from party walls. If you share a building with other people, for instance in a flat, raise the TV or stereo off the floor. Keep the volume at a reasonable level especially the base beat if you have separate controls as this can travel through the fabric of the building. Finally, if you like to listen to loud music use headphones.

 

Dogs/Pets

 

Be reasonable, try to train your dog not to bark unnecessarily. If you leave the dog unattended check with your neighbours to see if he barks or whines while you are out. If left unattended try to leave the dog in a room that will not cause a problem to your neighbour if it does bark. The local vet may be also be able to offer advice with a troublesome dog.

 

DIY-Home Improvements

 

Good practice when carrying out DIY jobs especially if they are noisy activities is to notify your adjoining neighbours to let them know what noisy works you intend to carry out and when this is likely to be. Try to carry out these jobs during the day using the evening for quieter jobs such as painting. Remember some people still consider Sunday as a day of rest.

 

Domestic Appliances

 

Try to site appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers away from party walls or place them on a rubber mat to reduce noise from vibration.

 

Try to use vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers at reasonable times during the day and avoid, if possible, early morning and late evenings.

 

Vehicle and Intruder Alarms

 

Keep alarms well maintained to prevent them going off accidentally.

 

If you have an alarm fitted to your house or vehicle appoint a key holder and register their contact details with Environment Services. Telephone 01621 854477 for the registration form details or download from the attached link.

 

General Advice

 

If you are bothered by neighbourhood noise try talking to the neighbour causing the problem. If people are not aware of the problem they are causing they are unable to deal with it.

 

Consider mediation – contact Basildon Mediation on 01268 465555.

 

If a problem cannot be solved amicably then contact Maldon District Council on 01621 854477 who may be able to help.

 

E-MAIL CONTACT to Maldon District Council

Environmental Health Officers 
environmentservices.request@maldon.gov.uk

Community Safety Team
Contact the Community Safety Team online e-form

 

Who Else Is Concerned With Controlling Noise?

Motor vehicles on public highways, motor horns, vehicle exhausts - Essex Police on  01245 491212

Low flying military aircraft –Ministry of Defence  Telephone: 020 7218 6020

Microlights and light aircraft –Civil Aviation Authority Telephone: 020 7453 6524