Whilst we don't want to stop people having fun, we do have a duty to investigate noise nuisances.
If we believe there is a statutory noise nuisance we have a duty to serve an abatement notice.
Some guidelines
We have come up with the following guidelines for party holders, which may reduce the likelihood of complaints.
Choose a suitable venue
Try to hold the party somewhere where your neighbours will not hear the music. Perhaps you could hire a hall for the party.
Warn neighbours
Warn neighbours in advance - not just those who live next door, but people across the road and those who back on to your property.
This gives them the option to go away for the night, if they can. You could even consider inviting them.
Decide on a finishing time
Give your neighbours a finishing time - one that is reasonable, and stick to it.
Even the most tolerant of neighbours won't accept being kept awake all night.
Give neighbours a contact number
Give neighbours a telephone number to call if they need to let you know of a problem and, if they call you, respond appropriately.
Keep music levels down
Keep music levels down, especially the bass, and do not hire in a disco at your home.
Think carefully about where you put the speakers, to minimise sound breakout and do not play loud music outdoors.
Reduce music levels after about 11pm when neighbours may want to sleep.
Don't stay outside too long
Bring people inside before 11pm even if you start the party outdoors, and close windows and doors, to control noise more easily.
Number of guests
Don't invite too many people for the size of your property, and make sure you know your guests, so that you can trust them, as you will be responsible for them.
Leave quietly
Say goodbye indoors and ask your guests to leave quietly, without slamming your door or their car doors on their way home.
Frequency
Do not have parties too often, as complaints are more likely when people are disturbed regularly.
