Statutory nuisance

Background

A flat owner complains that the council is failing to deal with late evening music noise from the bar downstairs, and threatens to trigger a licence review. The Environmental Health Officer’s view is that the case is marginal, and she suggests mediation.

Outcome

The outcome is an agreement to share the cost of soundproofing and, in a gesture of goodwill, the publican also offers to pay for thicker curtains. All parties leave happy.