Unfortunately, due to the nature of construction works, noise is inevitable and can rarely be completely prevented. However, noise from construction sites can be very disturbing, particularly if it is a large development that takes a considerable length of time. Noise comes from the operation of plant, machinery and power tools, the movement of vehicles and deliveries of materials.
Construction activities include:
- construction of new buildings
- renovation of existing buildings (including houses)
- demolition
- repairing road surfaces and installing/repairing utilities
- other engineering projects, for example on railways
Control of construction site noise
Our main control is through restricting the hours that noisy work is carried out from:
- 7.30am until 6pm Monday to Friday and
- 8am until 1pm on Saturdays
No noisy works should be carried out on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
These times do not restrict other work activities that may result in noise disturbance at neighbouring noise sensitive premises, for example internal work like electrical wiring, fixing doors.
In some circumstances (such as emergencies or the delivery of large plant and equipment where congestion and risks to safety prevent roads being used during working hours) noisy construction works may be necessary outside these hours.
Contractors should also do everything reasonably possible (using best practical means) to ensure noise from works within these hours is also kept to a minimum. This includes using well-maintained and silenced plant and equipment including compressors, generators and power tools.
Under section 60 of the Control of Pollution Act (COPA) 1974, local authorities have powers to control noise (and vibration) from building sites.
Control is by serving a notice on the person responsible for the construction operations. The notice can specify types of plants and machinery, permitted hours of operation, boundary noise levels and the use of 'best practicable means' to keep all noise to a minimum - for example, that plant and machinery used on the site shall be properly silenced and radios or other amplified music shall not be played.
Contractors planning to undertake construction and demolition work can consult environmental health to ask for our requirements.
Alternatively, contractors could formally apply for a Prior Consent under Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, which covers all the aspects described above. Please contact us.