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Pollution and Noise from Construction
Other Construction
Sites
Construction or demolition activities will
often generate noise, dust or vibration and this may be a problem
if the site is near to existing residential
accommodation.
Although some impacts from construction or demolition
works are inevitable, contractors must take reasonable steps to
control the impact, considering the technology available and the
costs involved - this is known as using the best practicable means
(BPM). One feature of BPM is working hours and Public Protection
recommends working hours of 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am -
1pm on Saturdays. No noisy works should be carried out on Sundays
and Bank/Public Holidays.
If a problem is occurring you can speak to the construction
contractors and tell them of your concerns. Many large scale sites
will have the contact details or a helpline number on a sign on the
site boundary fence. If this is not possible or fails you can
contact Public Protection who will investigate, give advice to the
contractors and will ensure that they follow the best practicable
means (BPM) to minimise noise, vibration and dust.
The Control of Pollution Act 1974 gives the council the power to
serve a Notice upon contractors or developers in appropriate cases
which sets out how works should be carried out in order to minimise
noise arising from demolition or construction activities. This may
involve restricting the hours of noisy operations audible beyond
the site boundary, the provision of noise barriers and precluding
the use of certain plant.
Developers and contractors have the option of applying to the
Council for approval of their works under the Control of Pollution
Act regime prior to commencement.
Detailed guidance on noise issues relating to construction sites
can be found in BS 5228, 'Noise control on construction and open
sites', in particular, Part 1, 'Code of Practice for basic
information and procedures for noise
control'. |