A national survey exploring the types of neighbour noise experienced in UK homes was launched in May by Rebecca Hutt, CDT student at the University of Salford. The study aims to build a clearer picture of everyday domestic noise and its potential impact on public health. Neighbour noise, often dismissed as a minor irritation, has been linked to a range of health effects, making accurate data essential for future policy and research.
The project is part of Rebecca’s PhD project entitled Investigating neighbour noise through a mixed-methods approach to understand human perception and response supervised by of Professor Bill Davies and Dr Graeme Sherriff, and is supported by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Responses collected through the survey will inform the next phase of her research, which is expected to involve listening tests or other forms of subjective assessment. Findings may also be presented at academic conferences, published in journals, and shared with organisations involved in managing noise nuisance. Wider public dissemination is also anticipated.
For individuals currently affected by neighbour noise and seeking guidance, DEFRA provides a range of resources on noise management. Useful starting points include the Noise management collection on GOV.UK, particularly the sections on statutory nuisance, as well as the Noise, neighbours, pets and pests guidance within the Housing and Local Services collection.