Noise Policy and Procedures
This policy includes procedures relating to sound proofing.
1. Definition:
Noise, in this context, is defined as undesirable sound. For Co-op members, noise comes from many sources, but mainly:
- from traffic and other external sources
- from noise created by neighbours or other internal sources.
2. The aim of the Policy:
To help members reduce undesirable sound as far as possible. We take it seriously because it can cause annoyance, interrupt conversation and disturb sleep. It is generally accepted that noise may be a serious health hazard.
To reduce noise as much as possible we must consider
-
- people making the noise
- buildings which fail to block out the noise
- people: negotiation and mediation
For noise from internal sources, the first step is to discuss it with your neighbours, and explain what noise disturbs you. You may be able to come to some agreements – such as no music after 11pm; wearing slippers instead of shoes in the house; being careful about banging doors.
It is possible to obtain Mediation Services from Lambeth –either between Co-op members or between members and other neighbours (0208 678 6046)
Lambeth can impose ‘on the spot’ fines for example, for late night noisy parties.
(Noise Pollution 0207 926 6111: Night Noise Patrol 0207 926 5999)
3. People: Complaints
If the noise from Co-op neighbours is disturbing, but no louder than the average in Co-op houses, Development may be approached to look into more extensive soundproofing (see Point 5 below).
If the noise is shown to be unacceptably louder than the average in Co-op houses, and the tenant does not help by reducing the noise, then a complaint can be lodged to Housing Management under the Complaints Procedure.
If the Procedure is gone through and the complaint is upheld, the Management Committee has the right to insist that the person making the noise moves. They will be found to be in breach of their tenancy agreement which says: Point 5.15 Nuisance: The tenant, members of the household or invited guests shall not at any time cause a nuisance or disturbance to other members of the Co-operative or their guests.
4. Buildings: Improvements
When possible the Co-op seeks to improve sound proofing in a house: against external noise though measures such as double glazing; against internal noise through floor insulation and other forms of insulation.
Building Regulations (Part E) require a certain level of sound proofing for new builds or conversions. The Co-op will comply with these in any works that it carries out.
Simple improvements
The Co-op is able to carry out some simple and cheap sound proofing improvements from its maintenance budget. Tenants can approach Maintenance under this procedure.
Other Improvements
Development will consider putting in additional floor and other sound insulation every time a non-ground floor flat becomes empty. Where complaints about impact noise have previously been received, this will be taken into account.
Tenants may apply to Development for double glazing.