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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To expect my neighbours to turn their music down?

16 replies

Ichangedmynameonce · 10/08/2019 20:30

I've name changed for this in case they're on mumsnet.

Basically, our neighbours have built a hideous, massive extension. Us and two other sets of neighbours objected to it being built. They got planning permission and built it. They also got permitted development to build a 3 metre long wall following on from extension, so now our house looks like a prison. We didn't know about the wall till a neighbour told us.

Anyway, a condition of their PP was to match the material the house is built in (edwardian London brick). They didn't match it, so we asked to meet to discuss. Had the meeting one night, it was dark, they swore blind it matched and essentially told us we were unreasonable and just didn't want to built. So we contacted building enforcement, they agreed it didn't match. The council made them apply for retrospective permission to use different materials. Council told us they cant afford to make them abide by the PP.

Since the meeting, during which the wife shouted at us, weve ignored each other. We have been very accommodating to their builder, eg a fence panel removed for 8 months, repeated access etc etc.

So, roll on a few months. Extension finished and a massive sound system installed. Weve had repeated days where the parents are out and all day the sons play banging music. Music that Is so loud, its loud in every room in our house. Its unbearable.

I've knocked a few times. The first time a son answered and literally couldn't hear me ask him to turn it down, as it was so loud.
Twice they havent answered.

They also have sky lights, when open the music pumps into our garden and it's like being at a festival.

2 weeks ago i knocked and spoke to the wife. I was calm and very polite. She went ballistic, screaming at me. Then she calmed down and said she'd ask them to turn it down (most if time when they do it the parents are out). I thanked her and it was relatively cordial.

Yesterday for 3 hours, same again. I didn't knock. Today it was worse than ever. I knocked three times, ignored 3 times.

I happened to see her tonight and again calmly and politely asked if she can ask them to turn it down. She was furious, shouting at me on the street for bring intolerant etc etc and said she will let them do what they like.

Please help, I dont know what to do.

Mostly the music is day/ early eve so not anti.social hours but I cannot Express how loud it is. Our council only appear to let you report music online (cant get advice on phone) and only late night music.

Surely this is unreasonable?

Any advice welcome.

OP posts:
ooooohbetty · 10/08/2019 20:36

Phone 101 and ask for advice. Keep a diary of when it happens.

Ichangedmynameonce · 10/08/2019 20:52

Thanks Betty.

I'm terrified that we have no rights at all and shes an unpleasant woman.

Weve lived here 12 years, been really happy. Its just so unnecessary.

OP posts:
Smileyaxolotl1 · 10/08/2019 20:56

It’s not a police matter. It’s environmental health. Phone the council and if they won’t reply phone/ contact your local councillor. You need to get environmental health out to measure the noise.

HappyHammy · 10/08/2019 20:57

Call environmental health.or.council.and.ask.about noise pollution. It sounds.a nightmare..

Heartburn888 · 10/08/2019 20:58

Not really useful but maybe try connect to their speaker and start playing videos of cats meowing and crank the volume up but make it about 3am in the morning when you do this! fight fire with fire!

Hope you get it sorted in all seriousness - must be bloody awful to live next door to and the mother needs a reality check the stuck up cow.

Cherrysoup · 10/08/2019 21:00

It is a police matter if the w I man is screaming at you and there's an altercation whereby she has scared, distressed or intimidated you.

RedTideBlues · 10/08/2019 21:02

Another vote for contacting the council. We had similar problems, don't expect a quick fix.

Ichangedmynameonce · 10/08/2019 21:09

Thanks all.

Problem is our council only give you the option to report, online, anti social hours noise. There doesn't seem to be opportunity to just discuss with someone.

Shes nasty, I'm upset and angry rather than intimidated. I dont want it to escalate, just improve.

Thanks

OP posts:
Cherrysoup · 10/08/2019 21:09

*woman

Ichangedmynameonce · 10/08/2019 21:10

Red tide, do you mind me asking about your situation, was it resolved? Thanks

OP posts:
Kerrywerrywoo1 · 10/08/2019 21:17

Contact the council they will have a dedicated noise section and it’s usually 24hrs if it’s a town. They will come out and check. Stop fretting just get acting. Let the authorities do this and seriously...I’d consider moving, life is too short .

Allli · 10/08/2019 22:05

If you don’t report it you will never know if someone is reading those reports 24/7.
Next time report it.
Or can you even retrospectively report all of the past incidents now (you should have noted dates and times) and see what happens.
Don’t give up.
Police if all else fails. But try reporting first. They perhaps just like reports in writing rather than by phone for evidence and will act on them?

KarmaStar · 10/08/2019 22:06

Feel for you op,we have a very similar issue.
Hope the environmental health will sort this out for you,and soon.
To protect yourself,if you talk to them again,put your phone on voice record in case she alleges you're being intimidating or anything.Appreciate you aren't but cya.
Good luck

Ichangedmynameonce · 10/08/2019 22:33

Thanks all.
we're about to go on holiday so I will report when we get back. And keep a diary.

I would feel better if someone can give me a idea where we stand. Does anyone know the law (if there is one?) About noise pollution? Does it only apply at night? Are people allowed to make as much noise as they want regardless of others?

Thanks everyone.

OP posts:
Fatted · 10/08/2019 22:41

It applies at all hours if it is a constant problem impacting on others. Just report it to the council online and see what they come back with.

Ichangedmynameonce · 10/08/2019 22:54

Thanks fatted. Will do.

Thanks everyone.

OP posts:
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