Construction
Construction and demolition works are usually noisy and frequently take place in areas which are normally quiet, such as residential streets. Although the work may not last long, the disturbance caused may lead to problems for people who live and work near the site. The council has powers to control noise and other nuisance from building sites caused by contractors and sub-contractors under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990, if informal action fails to solve any problems. This can involve prescribing working hours and methods.
Guidelines for carrying out works considerately
It is in everyone's interests to try to foresee any
problems that could arise and plan ways to avoid them. Contractors
should obtain a copy of British Standard 5228, a guide containing
information and procedures for noise control on construction and
open sites.
Contractors should follow the guidelines below:
• give neighbours who may be affected by particular
operations at least 48 hours notice
• keep normal working hours between 8am-6pm Monday to Friday
and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. There should be no working on Sunday
or Bank Holidays
• select and properly maintain the quietest suitable
equipment and machinery, and observe safe working practices
• make sure all sub-contractors are told to carry out their
work in compliance with agreed guidelines on noise, dust and other
matters
• for long term and complex projects, arrange for detailed
liaison with the local community, through structured meetings with
residents
• avoid the need to park on the street by providing on-site
parking wherever possible
• inform the council's environmental health department where
their activities might be expected to cause disturbance
• care must be taken to avoid damage to neighbours property
• sites should be surveyed for the presence of
asbestos-containing materials by a qualified person. Detailed law
exists on working with and disposal of such material, including the
Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations
2002
• keep the public footpaths and highways in a clean and tidy
state
• do not light bonfires as the penalties are severe and the
exemptions are very restricted
• take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent noise and
dust from causing nuisance
• do not allow the use of radios on the site in circumstances
where it could cause disturbance
If you are suffering excessive noise from a construction or demolition site you should call the council's noise and nuisance team. Alternatively you can complete a complaints form (word) and email it to: pollutioncontrol@ealing.gov.uk
Leaflets
A leaflet about
construction and demolition noise is
available in pdf format.