Noise complaints in Leeds rise 50 per cent during Covid pandemic

That’s according to new data released by Leeds City Council which also shows the majority of its 7,941 noise complaints were made between 6pm and 3.30am.

According to data published to the datamill north website, 4,823 overnight noise complaints were made to the council between January 21 and June 21 2021.

The rate of complaints grew from just under 20 complaints made every night before the Covid-19 pandemic, to nearly 32.

Complaints about loud or annoying music form the majority of complaints, with 2,499 of the total number, while “shouting” (731) and “banging” (351) also featured in the complaints.

Despite the majority of the period from January to June 2021 being under lockdown restrictions, there were 653 noise complaints about parties.

Due to the changing timeframes and ways noise complaints are reported, the latest figures were not able to be directly compared with previous years.

However, in the period between October 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020, only 3,636 out of hours noise complaints were made, a rate of just under 20 complaints per day.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We, along with our partners, are committed to using every tool at our disposal to tackle any form of noise nuisance in our communities.

“We have found that the number of calls received to our out of hours service regarding noise nuisance issues between January and May 2021 were broadly similar to the same period in the previous year. Our team take all complaints extremely seriously.

“We will always investigate any complaints made and take reasonable action where it is required.

“Following an investigation, a warning letter may be sent to the householder if the level of noise is found to be of a consistent and unacceptable level. In some cases, this can include the serving of an abatement notice, which requires steps to be taken by the householder in a reasonable timescale to reduce the noise.

“The council may then take further action if no steps are taken to reduce the noise which includes seizure of noise equipment, and/or criminal prosecution. With the police we will also regularly use the powers at our disposal to close properties to visitors where significant nuisance has occurred.

“The investigation of Covid-19 breach issues in residential properties is not in the remit of the council but working closely with the police we continue to take action where there are links to anti-social behaviour. In 2020/21, the Leeds Anti-social Behaviour team implemented an enhanced service in response to those areas that had seen both an increase in Covid-19 transmissions and rise in complaints.

“As always, we encourage residents to be considerate of their neighbours and socialise safely in line with current guidelines. We urge anyone experiencing any problems to contact us as soon as possible.”

Figures for Type of Noise Causing a Nuisance

Alarm: 70

Banging on walls/ ceiling/floor: 351

Building site: 46

DIY: 51

Dog barking: 101

Music: 2,499

Noise associated with licensed premises: 8

Other: 131

Party: 653

Shouting: 731

TV: 194

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