Guidance on Noise, Vibration and other Nuisance Control from Building Works and Construction Sites

Demolition and building works can be a source of considerable environmental nuisance to occupiers of neighbouring properties.  The objectives of these guidelines is to ensure development proceeds smoothly with a minimum of disruption to neighbours and without the need for legal action to be taken by the Council if problems arise.

Note: Section 80 of the Building Act 1984 requires the person intending to demolish a building, to give 6 weeks notice of the demolition. The Council may then impose conditions appropriate to the scale of demolition; such notifications should be addressed to the Building Control Section.

Noise

Demolition and construction companies must ensure that noise levels are kept to a minimum by using the best practicable means to silence their operations.

The hours of work for operations where noise can be heard outside the site should be limited to:

Monday to Friday - 8.00am to 6.00pm

Saturdays - 8.00am to 1.00pm

No noise should be audible beyond the boundary of the site outside these hours or on Sundays or Public Holidays. Pile driving and other specialist noisy operations may need more stringent controls to be applied and advice should be sought before commencement of work. In particular, pumps or generators that can be heard at the site boundary should not be left running overnight.

The Council has legal powers under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to serve notices on contractors where noise problems arise. Occupiers of neighbouring properties, both commercial and residential, have the right to pursue legal action themselves against contractors under the same legislation.

Should you feel that your project will have a significant impact on neighbouring premises from noise or vibration it is possible to apply to the Council for a "prior consent" (under Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974). This is an agreement between the developer and the Council which allows a certain level of noise to occur. Having such an agreement can protect you from further legal action.

DIY

If you are a householder doing some or all of the work yourself, you will probably want to do a lot of the work at weekends or evenings. Please try to restrict the noisy and dusty operations to Saturday mornings. Remember that your neighbours normally expect peace and quiet at weekends and may have young children trying to sleep.

Smoke

The emission of "dark smoke" from a bonfire on a demolition or building site is an offence under the Clean Air Act 1993. It is this Council's general policy to prosecute all such offenders.

Even if the smoke is not "dark smoke", the bonfire can still cause a nuisance from smoke, smell or ash and the Council has legal powers to stop, or prevent future bonfires, if a nuisance occurs. Bonfires should be avoided wherever possible. If they are absolutely necessary, then advice should be sought from the Environmental Protection Division. All bonfires should be extinguished at the end of the working day.

Dust

Dust can become a problem and all reasonable steps should be taken to avoid it. This may include damping down sand, aggregate or dusty concrete surfaces with water sprays when conditions become dry.

Health and Safety at Work

The Health and Safety Executive is the Enforcing Authority for health and safety legislation on demolition and construction sites.

You have a duty to protect not only yourself, your employees but also visitors to the site and members of the public who may be affected by your actions or inactions. Should you require advice contact: Health & Safety Executive, 3 East Grinstead House, London Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1RR, Tel: 01342-334200

If you require any further information or have a particular problem regarding a construction or demolition site, please contact the Environmental Health Division.

phone: (01932) 425131 fax: (01932) 838384 email : technical@runnymede.gov.uk