Noise nuisance from local club -- suggestions?

[Peter Ward]

I've lived in my house for over 23 years. During that time the working men's club building, about 100 yards from my house, was bought by the local sports club. Over the years the sports club has developed into a more social club and regularly has evening discos and bands.

Normally these things are not too much of a nuisance, but in the last few months they've got worse:
- louder and with open windows and doors -- such that the music is very clear through our double-glazing
- people outside on the patio talking and shouting
- members' children shrieking and yelling outside.

Tonight I went round to ask them to keep a little quieter than last Saturday night when an abysmal pseudo-punk band went on till after midnight. I was told there is a committee meeting on Monday evening and I should write to them.

What is the law on noise from clubs? I recall reading something to the effect that your noise should not be audible beyond your boundary from a certain time of night? What's the legal situation?

I don't expect absolute quiet even though they're in a residential area, but I would like them to be considerate, be quieter at a time that lets children go to sleep, and generally don't just stick 2 fingers up at the neighbours.

What can I legitimately ask for in my letter? I don't want to be a killjoy, but nor do I want the situation to continue unchanged.

thanks everyone!

[Fort Jefferson]

You don't have to put up with that sort of crap, just go to your local council and they should sort it.

[Dan Friel]

You want to read up about Noise Abatement Orders and talk to your local council. This environmental legalisation was brought in to sort illegal raves etc - and is now commonly used against motor sport venues..

[Santa Claws]

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No more noise. Job done.

[JustinP1]

Santa Claws said:

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No more noise. Job done.

Pi** in a bottle, and stuff a sock in it.

Have a fag...

Then move to a really run down area.

That would sort it, but isnt that a bit drastic!?

[Peter Ward]

Hmm! Very drastic. But the clubhouse is only made of wood and could easily be hit by a passing lightning strike....

I've read up a bit on NAOs. They seem very dependent on the desire of the local council to get involved, and they ask you to keep noise diaries for weeks before they'll even think about acting. I'll write the committee a friendly letter first. I do get fed up of having to sleep in a different bedroom just to get away from the noise.

[streaky]

Peter Ward said:

I've lived in my house for over 23 years. During that time the working men's club building, about 100 yards from my house, was bought by the local sports club. Over the years the sports club has developed into a more social club and regularly has evening discos and bands.

[ ... ]

What's the legal situation?

Are they speeding ... or taking 'speed'. As you know too well, it's all that matters!

Seriously, Environmental Health and Trading Standards at your local Council are your port of call. There will probably be a link and information on tehir website. Councils are empowered to take action on specific noise problems including:

• domestic noise like amplified music, parties, barking dogs or noise from DIY activities;
• commercial noise from pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, shops or warehouses;
• industrial noise;
• construction and demolition noise;
• intruder alarms and car alarms.

Hope this helps and you get some relief. Of course, you may also get some grief from the pleasure-seekers at the club .

Streaky

[PeteG]

JustinP1 said:

Pi** in a bottle, and stuff a sock in it.

Have a fag...

Then move to a really run down area.

That would sort it, but isnt that a bit drastic!?

[Chrisgr31]

I have this from the other side as I am responsible for a community hall and on occasions we will have parties that annoy the neighbours.

Generally speaking the Council accept that our building is old, and theres not a lot we can do to keep the noise in the building, and without air conditioning the windows often need to be open to let the heat out.

However we try and restrict the number of nosiy events we have, work to ensure they end by midnight etc.

Personally I'd complain to the local Council about it. You could always say to the Council it is the frequency you are objecting to so they don;t go in to heavy handed.