Neighbourhood noise can be a complex issue, and may be the cause of unhappiness between neighbours. There has been an increased number of feedback cases pertaining to noise since 2020, which is likely due to the increased number of residents staying home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Community Advisory Panel (CAP) on Neighbourhood Noise was set up in April 2022. Comprising 9 representatives from the social, academia and people sectors, the panel looks at noise from neighbours and congregational noise in common areas.

Drawing from the inputs gathered from the public engagements, CAP has produced a report with their recommendations to manage neighbourhood noise. The report includes CAP’s definition of acceptable and unacceptable noises in the community, and their proposed community norms for residents to adopt to mitigate noise disturbances to their neighbours:

i. Resolve issues with neighbours through informal discussions and relationship building, instead of approaching the authorities to intervene in the first instance

ii. Adhere to the quiet hours, which CAP recommended to be extended to between 10pm to 8am

iii. Practice considerate behaviours to create a peaceful and harmonious living environment within and outside the quiet hours

The report also highlights that community norms alone are insufficient to manage the issue. Hence, the Panel has recommended for the Government to review the process to manage disputes over community noise, appropriately and efficaciously supported by enforcement powers. Click here for more information.