Noise after change of use

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4 Jan 2006
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Location
Yorkshire
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United Kingdom
My neighbours have had a large extension to the rear of the adjoining 1930's semi and removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room. They then moved the location of the kitchen to the adjoining wall removing the existing chimney breast. We put up with 6 months of building work which I didn’t have a problem with as I knew it would end. Foolishly being the nice guy I am I didn't object to anything but I did highlight that this would obviously increase noise levels and suggested there may be a need to soundproof. My suggestion was ignored by the planning department and my neighbours.
Unfortunately I was correct, the noise at times is unexceptable.
Fast forward 6 months and enoughs enough so I decided to ask the planning department why they didn't consider that placing a noisey kitchen area next to our living room might need soundproofing.
They unbelievably informed me there is no consideration to increased noise levels and that I should report the noise problem to my local council.
Surely this can't be correct, they granted permission for this building work which has created the noise problem so imo they are responsable for the noise and therefore should do something.
I have read on the Gov website that noise should be a consideration to all building works so why are my local planning office saying different.
If anyone can offer some suggestions or point me in the right direction I'd be very grateful as this in particular is effecting my wife who's being treated for cancer
 
Noise from use of a dwelling as a residence isn't regarded as a material planning consideration. Have you asked the neighbours to be quieter even if after a certain time in the evening.
 
^^this. It's the downside of living in a semi (we do too). Always be careful what you wish for - they might decide to move and you might then get the neighbours from hell with a pack of XL Bullies.....
 
Yes we've informed them that we hear them all the time but it makes no difference. I find it strange that noise as a result of this relocation/ extension of a kitchen area is not considered. I know we can report the noise issue to the council but know this has to be disclosed when moving which may make it difficult to sell the house. It's a good area cheapest semis on our Avenue in West Yorkshire are above £300k so hopefully out of the price range of the type of person described.
For the first 15 years living here fortunately we had quiet neighbours but since the new neighbour moved in 3 years ago there has been many instances of noise late at night. For the last year since the building work this noise has increased considerably.
I guess the only things I can do is is either have another word or move, seems a very unfair situation.
 
...or add some noise insulation to your side - not that difficult, although obviously a little disruptive.
 
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