Gunnersbury Claims Sharp Fall in Noise Complaints

Says calls to residents' line during festivals down by nearly three quarters

Pete Tong's Ibiza Classics headlined the Soho House Festival in 2023

July 26, 2024

The management of Gunnersbury Park is claiming that there has been a sharp fall in noise complaints from residents during festivals held so far this year.

The estate recently hosted the Soho House Festival and DLT Presents: The Recipe and it is reporting that there was a 67% reduction in the number of noise complaints and a 73% reduction in the number of complainants calling the Residents’ Line compared to the same period last year.

The park’s management says that this drop is down to the implementation of enhanced event management strategies for its summer music programme.

Measures include extra acoustic professionals being present at each event, implementing recommendations to reduce bass frequencies and minimise noise disruption and improved crowd management and additional exit routes to ensure smooth and orderly dispersal after events, utilising alternative transport hubs to relieve the impact on Acton Town tube station.

Julia Mattingley, Head of Operations & Commercial at Gunnersbury Park, said, “Gunnersbury has been collaborating closely with local residents, businesses, and other key stakeholders to enhance the overall management of park events and minimise disruption. In addition to improvements in signage, toilet provision, and communications, we have placed a particular emphasis on noise management to better the experiences of local residents. This year, Gunnersbury has engaged Vanguardia noise management specialists to work alongside event organisers and their sound experts, providing an extra layer of monitoring and response. This strategy has proven effective, with a dramatic reduction in both the number of complaints and complainants received through our Residents’ Line in July compared to the same period last year.

“We recognise that not all residents are pleased about events taking place in the park, and we are committed to addressing their concerns and working with them to minimise disruption. This progress is a positive step forward, but we will not be complacent. We will continue to do everything possible to reduce the impact on our neighbours.”

The management says its Summer Programme at Gunnersbury is crucial for the upkeep of the park and it has a target of raising approximately £1.35 million through commercial activities to support ongoing maintenance and operations.

The Save Gunnersbury Park campaign has expressed scepticism over the claims by the park's management saying that the absence of transparent data raises questions. A spokesperson for the group said, "Without consulting the affected community, any conclusions drawn will not fully reflect the true situation. Furthermore, the statement appears premature, as it overlooks the upcoming events, Festival Republic and Waterworks, which have historically caused significant noise pollution and antisocial behaviour. Assessing the situation based solely on the Soho House and DLT presents festivals does not provide a complete or accurate picture. Both events refused to alter the direction of stages or reduced decibel levels to reduce the noise aimed at residential areas. Has Gunnersbury Park's management provided concrete evidence of noise reduction measures taken during these festivals?"

The Save Gunnersbury Park Campaign recently set up its second ‘Garden of Resistance’ alleging that noise from the events is scaring wildlife away from the park. These claims have been categorically denied by management.

The dedicated resident Noise & Complaint line for Gunnersbury Park is 020 3781 0001.