Let me be loud
Question
Do I have any rights if I want to play loud music in the afternoon? My neighbours might complain about me but I'm sure I should be able to play music between certain hours of the day. Is this true?
Answer
There are two sides to this answer because both you and your neighbours have rights in this area. Because of this, a balance between your right to play music and your neighbours' rights to "quiet enjoyment" needs to be found.
Although you both have rights, it would appear that your neighbours have more than you because of the Noise Act 1996, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Common Law of Nuisance. The government produce a leaflet called Bothered by Noise (pdf) that lays out what can be done by your neighbours and the laws they can use
The neighbours can call on the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) of the council and the police to get you to make less noise. The EHO is able to get an abatement order from the court requiring you to reduce the volume. If this does happen and you don't stop creating the same level of noise they can seize the noise making equipment. If the police become involved there could be a prosecution or you could be issued with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO).
The best course of action to enable you to play your music would be to approach your neighbours and have a chat about it. That way, you will be able to reach a compromise that suits both parties.
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Question answered by CAB
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