Forum Topic

Neighbour problems

A new neighbour backing onto our garden seems to have set-up a workshop in his shed and is drilling and using electric saws most days often late into the evening, it's 8:30pm and he's been going for several hours.I'm wondering what I can do about this. He is a builder by trade (I assume given the rather impressive job he's done to his house) and seems to have set-up a builders yard cutting down a number of trees in the process. I don't mind that so much but I feel it's wrong that his noisy workshop is now set up within thirty feet of our back door.Can anyone advise as to regulations on this and what I should do about it?

Jeremy Thorpe-Woods ● 5930d11 Comments

I would suggest a friendly chat and reminder is not sociable to have the noise after 6pm (few minutes I would say is ok but not hours). He might be just finishing off his house if you say its new neighbour.There are number of people on this site that either work for the council or are familiar with the complaint process and the regulations and I am sure can advice you on that; however a chat or a quick note seems to work most times.I hope you resolve it in a friendly manner, you may be neighbours for a while after all.

Veki Pavlova ● 5930d

Useful website http://www.ealing.gov.uk/services/environment/pollution/noise_pollution/DIY_noise/They're not supposed to do noisy work weekdays outside of 0800-1800, Sat 0900-1300 and no work Sundays.

Maria Michaels ● 5930d

Good Luck Jeremy, hope your neighbour isn't of the "I don't give a toss, up yours" variety - plenty of them around.

Rosco White ● 5930d

It must make a difference whether he is just finishing off works on his house or actively and permanently running a builder's yard. I suspect he is unable to do the latter legitimately without at least jumping through some hoops.Is the property on the Goldsmiths Estate? in which case the carrying out of businesses that annoy the neighbours (though I think it's tanning and brewing that are specifically mentioned) is not permitted.You may have to do some research - worth it if it looks like a permanency.

Sara Nathan ● 5930d

You can't run a professional workshop from home without paying business rates, and would not be permitted to make that sort of noise anyway.

Becky Bell ● 5930d

Perhaps you should also talk to other neighbours as if they feel the same way you do, you will have more weight when you approach him.If he is using part of his property as a business premises then that should affect his rates.  If he is really awkward, you may consider approaching your ward councillor.

Alice Jones ● 5930d

It would be helpful if you could give us the location, because I have heard drilling from where I live, and it is extremely irritating, but not that close to me to warrant a complaint.You could approach the person in a nice friendly manner.  If he/she is legitimate and working on his/her house, all should be well, but this could turn nasty.  Remember he/she knows where you live.  I know of those who have had a problem with nearby builders which resulted in a nice oily rag being shoved up the exhaust pipe of their car.  People are funny old things.There could be H and S issues, boring that they may be, but helpful if you want to stop unsocial behaviour.I'd call Environmental Health for thatandPlanning for the running of a business from a residential property issue - if that is the case.Does this person have a van with a logo on the side and an address?

Dee Cook ● 5930d

Given you only live about 15 houses apart, it's probably the same drilling.

Sara Nathan ● 5930d

Sara, thanks for that Jeremy must be going through hell .....I shall monitor it.Jeremy is he using any chemicals?  Strong glues etc.

Dee Cook ● 5929d

Thanks for the replies, all is quiet on the eastern front right now and let's hope he keeps it that way. It looks like he's set up his builders yard and a workshop -several newly erected sheds- it's certainly more than just a little DIY. However he seems to be quiet right now, but I'll monitor any more disturbances and keep a log.Thanks for the advice

Jeremy Thorpe-Woods ● 5927d

he might be reading this forum :)

Veki Pavlova ● 5927d