Our city is a noisy place. Even when it’s quiet the expected silence unmasks what are normally back ground noises. Earlier in the day when planes start over flying at 5.50am they are so noisy. But this noise gradually recedes as other regulalr noises start up and overtake – mostly traffic noise.

What will our city be like when electric cars predominate. Could it be a quieter but somehow noisier hell without traffic hum.

I suspect we’ll all become more sensitive and demanding about eradicating noises.

I had a noisy downstairs neighbour in a victorian conversion flat. It took me many many months to block out those noises with sound insulation.