Homeowners in the UK could face fines of up to £1,000 for making excessive noise in their gardens during night hours, under the Noise Act 1996. Night hours are legally defined as 11pm to 7am, and disturbances during this period can lead to complaints from neighbours, fixed penalty notices, or even prosecution. In persistent cases, local authorities have the power to seize noise-making equipment.
The warning comes as new research from Redrow reveals that noisy DIY or gardening work is among the biggest neighbourhood irritations for over a quarter (26%) of homeowners. Many people take to online forums to vent about the issue, highlighting the need for better neighbour etiquette during the summer months.
To avoid disputes, psychotherapist Zara Kadir advises keeping conversations calm and constructive. “It’s good to stay calm and address things as and when they arise, as opposed to one day erupting with a back-catalogue of misdemeanours,” she said. She recommends starting with a goal of mutual understanding and avoiding accusatory language like “you always” or “you never”.
If you cannot fully block a noise, you can alter your garden’s soundscape using a method called sound masking. This involves introducing pleasant sounds, such as water features or wind chimes, to help reduce the impact of disruptive noise.
