Leeds

Leeds has just been crowned one of the ‘nosiest’ cities in the UK

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 12th November 2026

A new analysis has revealed a list of the noisiest cities in the UK, and Leeds makes the list.

From blaring sirens and car horns, to house parties, barking dogs, and loud neighbours, escaping the noise of a city can feel almost impossible – even in your own home.

No matter whether you live in the hustle and bustle, or you’re out in the sleepier suburbs, noise can keep you up at night, disturb your peace, and lead to frustration.

But just how loud is Leeds compared to the rest of the UK? In a bid to get to the bottom of it, Alpine Hearing Protection has done some research to compile a top 10 list.

Well, Leeds came in at number 6 just underneath London.

Taking top spot is Salford, followed by Portsmouth and Manchester. So it's safe to say that them lot over in Greater Manchester are a rowdy lot, but we already knew that.

The reason Salford has found itself at the top of the list, according to the research, is because it sits at the intersection of several major transport and urban hubs, with major motorways running through or around the city including the M60, M61, and M62.

Major rail routes also run through the city – including via Salford Crescent – which sees 16 million passengers every year, and also leads to Manchester Airport. 

But the difference being that Mancunians are noted as one of the many reasons why the city is so loud – with residents making 5,301 noise complaints across Manchester between January 2024 and January 2025, and Hulme identified the loudest area with 304 complaints.

Top 10 noisiest cities in the UK

  1. Salford
  2. Portsmouth
  3. Manchester
  4. Southampton
  5. London
  6. Leeds
  7. Stoke-on-Trent
  8. Wakefield
  9. Newcastle upon Tyne
  10. Bradford

So, why is Leeds so loud then? It's got to be a combination of our booming nightlife, busy roads and never ending road works, if we had to guess.

Read more: Leeds City Council to unveil new action plan aimed at ending homelessness

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Leeds City Council to unveil new action plan aimed at ending homelessness

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

An ambitious new action plan for how to end homelessness is set to be presented by Leeds City Council this month.

Leaders of Leeds Council are expected to sign off on a partnership-led roadmap on Wednesday 18 November which outlines how the city will support the government's new homelessness strategy. 

The strategy sets out a national ambition to make homelessness rare and non-recurring through a shift from crisis intervention to prevention and requires local authorities to set annual targets and local delivery plans.

In response to the strategy, Leeds has developed two new action plans which sit alongside the council’s existing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023-2028.  

The action plans provide a refresh, building on what has worked while responding to the changing housing market and patterns of need.

The approach to homelessness will move beyond responding once it occurs, towards earlier identification with integrated intervention and sustained support.

The new action plans are being introduced alongside the national Rough Sleeping Programme, for which Leeds has received £1.6million of funding.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council's deputy leader and executive member for communities and community safety, and Councillor Asghar Khan, executive member for housing and hubs, said: “Since publishing our five-year Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy in 2023, we have placed universal and targeted prevention at the heart of our approach, alongside work to maximise access to suitable accommodation.

"This has included identifying people at risk earlier, providing accessible housing advice and financial assistance, helping people to sustain their tenancies, and working with private landlords and housing providers to increase rehousing opportunities.

“This activity has provided strong results, but we know that there is more to be done as demand increases and the context that we are working in changes.

“The existing strategy has been reviewed against the national plan and remains strongly aligned in ambition and principles. Our new action plans will build on that foundation, responding to changing pressures and strengthening delivery where needed.

“Through earlier intervention, collaboration, stronger partnership working and targeted support, we will work hard through our partnerships to reduce the need for crisis responses and improve outcomes for residents at risk of homelessness.”

You can read the full report here.

Read more: Leeds Railway Station entrance FINALLY reopens after four-year delay

Featured Image – Gary Knight (via Flickr)

Leeds

This Yorkshire town has just been crowned the second ‘happiest’ place to live in the UK

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The UK’s happiest places to live for 2026 have been named, and two Yorkshire towns have made the list.

One in fact, has taken a very impressive second place.

Just as it has done for the last 14 years now, Rightmove has published its annual ‘Happy at Home’ index, which explores exactly what it is that makes people feel content about where they live, and highlights the happiest places nationwide ahead of the new year.

This year, thousands of residents across more than 200 locations told the leading property listing platform what they love (or don’t love) about their community – from the friendliness of their neighbours, to job opportunities, access to green spaces, and so much more.

The survey also outlines the differences in happiness in rural, urban, and suburban environments, as well as the way our sense of ‘home happiness’ changes as we age.

So, where do we have in the top 10 then?

Richmond Upon Thames in London took the coveted spot, but coming in second place is the beautiful spa town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire.

Is it any surprise? Known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, rolling green space and the iconic Betty's Tea Rooms - we reckon you really can't help but be happy if you live here.

Last year's winner, Skipton in North Yorkshire, won last year. And although it didn't reign supreme this time it did come in second place, so we'll still take that.

The UK’s top 10 happiest places to live 2026

  1. Richmond upon Thames
  2. Harrogate
  3. Cirencester
  4. Monmouth
  5. Hove
  6. Chorley
  7. Skipton
  8. Llandrindod Wells
  9. Horsham
  10. Hexham

Speaking on this year’s list, Colleen Babcock – a property expert at Rightmove – explained: “The balance between greenery and everyday convenience runs through the wider findings. Even among people who would ideally choose a rural setting, access to amenities, parks and public transport remains important.

“This year’s results suggest that the places people rate most highly aren’t simply urban or rural, but often bring together some of the best elements of both.”

Read more: Leeds has been named one of the most ‘pet-friendly’ cities in the UK

Featured image - Unsplash (Illiya Vjestica)

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