WHAT IS EXACTLY 'GOOD NEIGHBOURLINESS'

The hallmark of a happy community is good neighbourliness - but what exactly is good neighbourliness in practice?

Be Considerate

Good neighbourliness is behaviour and actions which take into account the right of others to have a peaceful and harmonious home life. It is refraining from activities which cause aggravation or nuisance to others; this would include loud music and other repetitive sounds that are audible to neighbours at unreasonable times for instance after 23:00. 

Use of Noisy Equipment - A Necessary Evil

The use of equipment such as electric power tools, lawnmovers, leaf blowers, grass trimmers and power tools should be used at times to cause the least amount of nuisance, generally after 08:00 in the morning and before 18:00, with limited times on Sundays and public holidays (normally in the mornings). 

Other sources of noise such as swimming pool pumps, air conditioning units, water features and generators can also cause agitation to neighbours if regard is not paid to the placement and hours of operation of such items. The aforementioned should be installed in such a way as not to cause undue noise or nuisance to neighbours.

Mediation of Disputes

Should an issue arise with a neighbour, the most appropriate action would be to approach the neighbour directly and discuss the issue. Most matters can be amicably resolved through open and transparent communication. A kind and understanding discussion will go a long way to resolve a matter to the satisfaction of all. In such cases there are no winners just a solution to satisfy both parties. If however such an approach is unsuccessful, the next step would be to approach the governing body of the community for assistance and advice.

Good neighbourliness starts by respecting others and taking into account how actions impact others.