The sound of children playing, shouting and screeching in schoolyards is not unacceptable noise. Following a ruling by Housing, Spatial Planning and Environment Minister Jacqueline Cramer, children can make as much noise as they like again from 1 January.
An exception will be made in the Noise Abatement Act, so that those living near schools and nurseries will no longer be able to take legal measures to stop children making noise.
This will have consequences in the town of Heemstede, where the neighbours of the Crayenester primary school successfully mounted a legal action to stop the noise coming from the school playground.
The school director is pleased with the minister's decision. But he is well aware that the children do make a lot of noise. He says: "We now have agreements with the neighbourhood that there will be periods of quiet during the day, when the children aren't out playing. But we can still use the yard as we see fit."
Email this Video
Printer-friendly version
Post new comment
Please be reminded all comments must be in English, short and to the point - guideline 250 words. Abusive and inappropriate comments will be removed.