The use of loudspeakers and the music that accompanies them are often one of the biggest causes of neighbourhood disputes. Unlike the noise from parties, where loud music is usually played for a set time period, some people think that music can be played as loud as they want it to be, no matter what time of day or night it is.

The Law

People who like to play their music loud will often get into arguments with their neighbours as they might also claim they should be able to enjoy their leisure time in the way they choose without interference, especially if it’s at a reasonable hour, say, in the afternoon.

However, while this is true in principle, the law firmly comes down on the side of those who wish to be protected from excessive noise under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, The Noise Act 1996 and the Common Law of Nuisance. If you refuse to reduce the volume, both the Environment Health Department and the police can get involved, and it will be them who will determine whether the Noise Exceeds Legal Limits.

Environmental Health has the power to issue you with an abatement order to reduce the volume and, if you do not comply, the police can also take matters further. You could end up with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) which can result in even harsher penalties if you break it.

How to Reduce the Impact From Loudspeakers

Quite often, you can prevent problems arising with your neighbours over your use of loudspeakers in the first place by taking some simple precautionary steps. These can include situating any loudspeakers away from adjoining partition walls, or there are acoustic mats you can buy if they’re floor standing speakers. Even suspending them from the ceiling can help.

Using several smaller speakers such as you’d find on the latest surround sound systems will also have a far less negative impact upon your neighbour’s experience, as opposed to using a couple of extremely large and powerful ones. This is because these smaller speakers can be strategically placed around a room, so you’ll often get the same amount of ‘noise satisfaction’ yourself without upsetting your neighbours.

Much of the annoyance comes from the bass control. While you might be sat in your house enjoying the music pumping out, all your neighbours might hear is the ‘thud thud’ of the bass, so turning the bass control down can often help.

Another useful resolution is to find out when you neighbour will to be out, and blast your music louder during those times. This compromise is often welcomed and respected so that the music is turned down when the neighbour returns home.

Loudspeakers and Business in Residential Areas

There are other laws pertaining to the use of loudspeakers if you’re operating a business within a residential area. It could be a pub or some other premises used for entertainment, the use of loudspeakers on cars during election rallies, and even the ice cream van’s chimes. All of these examples aren’t immune to the law. Therefore, if you do operate a business in a residential area, it’s important you find out what you can and cannot do as it specifically relates to your type of business.

If you’re a resident, you’ll need to consider your neighbours and, better still, if you simply can’t reach an agreement with them in terms of how loud is acceptable, buy yourself a pair of headphones. There are even some great cordless models these days which you can use to pump out the music at whatever volume you choose. This sound will go wherever you go, even as far as the garden and beyond in some cases, and these can often be synchronised with additional headphones so that more than one person can enjoy the same experience simultaneously.