Environmental Protection

Domestic Noise

Noise is unwanted sound and we are likely to hear noise from our neighbours from time to time. The council have the duty to investigate noise which may constitute a statutory nuisance or antisocial behaviour.

There are no legal "permitted" noise levels or times when noise would be a nuisance, and it will usually be up to a council officer to decide whether noise levels are reasonable or are causing a nuisance. Nuisances are on-going noise issues, so one off events are unlikely to constitute a nuisance.

Noise issues can reported to the council by contacting us or by using The Noise App.

Some noise, however upsetting, will not be classed as a statutory nuisance. Here is a guide of the types of noise will and will not investigate. If unsure please contact Environmental Health directly and speak the issue through with an officer.

Domestic noise which the council will investigate:

  • Parties
  • Amplified music
  • DIY (at unreasonable hours)
  • Playing of a musical instrument
  • Dogs barking excessively
  • Domestic wind turbines and air source heat pumps

Domestic noise which the council will not investigate:

  • Footfall
  • Use of household appliances (washing machine, vacuum cleaner)
  • When poor sound insulation is the underlying issue
  • Children playing
  • Loud voices or arguing
  • Banging doors or cupboards
  • One-off incidents
  • DIY (at reasonable hours)
  • Fireworks
  • Disorderly conduct or threatening behaviour (contact Police Scotland)

Though the council may not be able to take action to resolve all noise issues, you may be able to resolve noise issues by contacting:

What can people who receive a noise complaint do?

It is important to remember that there is a reason for all behaviour. Even if the complaint does not seem so serious it was serious enough for someone to make a complaint. It maybe that the person being affected is struggling to cope and this is another thing that makes them feel bad.

Being on good terms with a neighbour can often make the difference between sorting out problems or it becoming a long drawn out dispute. The best outcomes are often informal ones that give everyone the most flexiability and freedom to live their lives. After all most people just want to get on with their lives in peace.

Contacting neighbours when neither party are upset and have time to discuss it can be a good idea. Again Relationship Scotland Shetland work with these types of problems and can help come up with good informal resolutions that work for all parites.

With this inmind the following suggestions could help reduce any noise impact on neighbours, show good will and prevent any further disruption.

  • Keep music & TV volumes as low as possible especially when people may be sleeping.
  • Keep TVs in bedrooms quiet at night time especially if its next to someone elses.
  • Consider headphones but be wary as high volumes can still affect your own hearing.
  • Also headphone background noise from games can mask loud vocal noise and banging.
  • Adjust input and output volumes so there is no need to shout into microphones.
     
  • Turn bass settings off or down very low.
  • Low pitch like bass travels well through flats, walls and floors and can be more annoying.
  • Move speakers, tvs, subwoofers off walls, floors and hard surfaces to avoid further noise.
  • Rubber matts are very effective way to reduce around 90% of this type of transmition.
     
  • Keep musical practices short and to respectable times. Ideally when neighbours are out.
  • Consider quieter ways of practising like using headphones, mutes, pads or brushes.
  • Avoid using amplifiers.
  • Consider a more appropriate venue to practise in.
  • Shetland has plenty of public buildings and garages that maybe better for practises. 
     
  • Shetland is a very quiet area. Visitors to an area can have more impact than expected.
  • If having a party keep windows & doors closed.
  • This can often be the difference between having a police call out or not.
  • Guests going outside for fresh air or smoking may not be aware of how loud they are. 
     
  • Be mindful of noise when doing DIY.
  • Avoid before 8am, after 9pm or any other time that maybe problematic for neighbours.
     
  • Be mindful to close doors gentle especially if in a flat or late at night.
  • Often noise from slammed doors can get louder and travel further than other noise.
  • Slow door closers, felt or rubber strips can help reduce noise or even rubber bands. Further suggestions. (external link)
  • Soft surfaces like curtains, rugs, sofas, carpets, underlay & rubber mats are good.
  • These can absorb sound while hard surfaces may act more like a drum.

We can live by our neighbours for a long time. A little effort and good will now can make a big difference and prevent an ongoing dispute.