Worcester has the noisiest neighbours in the UK, according to a new study by acoustic experts DECIBEL, with an average of 204 monthly Google searches relating to noise complaints per 100,000 people.
The study analysed average monthly Google searches across 78 UK areas for more than 100 keywords and phrases, including “noise complaint”, “neighbour noise complaint”, “council noise complaint”, and “noise complaint police”. Search volumes were compared with local populations to calculate rates per 100,000 people, and the areas were then ranked from highest to lowest.
Thousands of people are searching for the 11pm noise rule, which refers to powers under the Noise Act 1996 that allow councils to tackle excessive noise from homes between 11pm and 7am. Breaches can result in warning notices, fines, or in some cases, the seizure of noise-making equipment.
According to figures from Direct Line Group, nearly 450,000 noise complaints were made to UK councils in 2022. Experts attribute the high number to reduced tolerance of noisy neighbours and a growing population living in smaller homes, increasing tensions within communities.
UK areas with the noisiest neighbours: Top 10
Average monthly Google searches relating to noise complaints per 100,000 people
- Worcester: 204
- Eastbourne: 184
- Blackpool: 176
- Ipswich: 172
- Wakefield: 171
- Reading: 170
- Portsmouth: 169
- Middlesbrough: 167
- Stockport: 166
- Dundee: 163
At the other end of the rankings, Cambridge recorded the lowest rate, with an average of 61 monthly searches per 100,000 people.
What people are searching for
In Worcester, the most searched terms are “noise complaint” and “noisy neighbours law 11pm”, with each averaging 11 searches a month.
In Eastbourne, “noise complaint” and “noisy neighbours law 11pm” also share the top spot, averaging 10 monthly searches each.
In Blackpool, “noise complaint” is the most searched term, averaging 22 searches a month, followed by “noisy neighbours law 11pm” with 17.
In Ipswich, “noise complaint” and “noisy neighbours law 11pm” share the top spot, with each averaging 16 searches a month.
In Wakefield, “noise complaint” is the most searched term, averaging 17 searches a month, followed by “noisy neighbours law 11pm” with 15.
PhD Engineer Tsvetan Nedkov, acoustic engineer and founder of DECIBEL, commented on the findings: “Your home is a place where you should feel safe and relaxed, so noise disturbances such as noisy neighbours can cause stress and even anxiety. According to Direct Line Group, there were nearly 450,000 noise complaints to councils across the UK in 2022. The high number of complaints can be attributed to both lower tolerance of noisy neighbours and a growing population living in smaller spaces, increasing tension within communities. The data shows a clear pattern across coastal towns such as Eastbourne and Blackpool, which may reflect denser holiday accommodation.”
The findings highlight continuing pressures on residential communities across the UK, with strong search interest in noise complaint procedures and overnight noise rules across several towns and cities. Local authorities continue to investigate reports of statutory nuisance under existing legislation, including the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Noise Act 1996. Residents experiencing persistent noise disturbance are advised to keep detailed records and contact their local council’s environmental health team.