Neighbours, noise; UK legislation on the matter?

[bo-kai]

I know that it's a subject much discussed and analyzed, but even after reading some relevant threads i still can't find the answer i'm looking for.
If any of you know what the law (UK) says about noise/hours and so on (in some detail), please please please don't hesitate to answer. I live in central London in a small flat at an ex council estate, and the walls are paper thin. The council says that i have to be within "reasonable levels", but that can be interpreted in a miliion ways. They can't even make their own mind up - i've asked the noise team three different times and they said three different things, one even suggested never to play after 6pm! But they all agree that i shouldn't cause a disturbance to my neighbour upstairs who's banging the floor like mad, sometimes even at 3pm on a saturday! Acoustic piano will definetely be heard upstairs, no matter what.

My teacher said that acoustic pianos are well within the acceptable decibel range, meaning that i would only be breaking the law if i were using electrically amplified sounds. His way of dealing with upset neighbours is to ignore them.

But what does the law say???

[zheer]

But what does the law say???

   I will translate what the Law says. Basically you must not disturb the peace and quiet of your neighbour, it's very simple if you on a regular basis make so much noise during the day so as to disturb your neighbour you are breaking the LAw. This applies to both night and day, but even more so during the night.
   Common sense and out of cout settelment sounds appropriat in this situation. Very few people spend 24/7 day's at home speak. Therefore speak to your neighbour ask them when they dont mind hearing the piano and come to an agreement. If your neighbour does not wish to compromise, you have a number of options, either play on a electric piano,low volume, or somehow reduce the sound of your piano,or stop playing the piano,or move elsewhere.
    i doubt your neighbour will take you to Court ,he she may come knocking on your door.Dont worry about the Law, just think practically.

[molto-marcato]

A friend of mine placed a mattress behind her piano, which greatly reduced the volume. Personally i often play with the silencer pedal because i often play for like 3 hours and my neighbors would go mad at least during technical exercises.

In Germany this issue is very well regulated. You are allowed to make music of any kind for like 2hours a day from 8 am to 22 pm as far as i know. Your situation even improves if you're a professional musician or a teacher. In certain cases, like if you are playing scales or Hanon all of the time your practice time might be reduced. But from my experience best way is to find a compromise with your neighbors. Mine won't bother too much if i won't play from 1-3 pm and after 8 pm.

Good Luck

[shingo]

I can understand your neighbours complaint if you were playing drills over long periods of time, I can't however during your other playing. I would gladly welcome the sound of someone playing piano drifting through my walls. The above suggestions (such as the mattress) are useful, I my self have an electric which although does not produce as nice a tone or feel it does provide a headphone socket  . I agree with the others that the best way to deal with this whilst keeping your neighbour happy, would be to arrange a suitable time. On the other hand if you don't mind getting him riled you could play your normal regime the way you normally do and not change a thing. I'm sure that there is no way you can be fined or taken action upon from using an acoustic piano which as you stated above will easily be in the acceptable decibel range.

[stevehopwood]

But what does the law say???

No idea, any more than any other contributor here. Ask for 'common sense' advice and I will weigh in with the best of them.

Happily, we UK residents have a wonderful organisation to advise us - the Citizens Advice Bureau. Google this to find your nearest office and take your problem to them; they will advise you on your legal position.

Even better, if you can afford a few pounds sterling a month, join the Incorporated Society of Musicians (I am a member) or the Musicians Union. Both these organisations provide extensive legal advice\protection to UK members and will provide ongoing real-time legal advice.

Steve