East Suffolk Council

Noise from construction, demolition or roadworks

Construction noise is noise created on building and demolition sites, or from roadworks.  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 to build.

Control of construction site noise

Our main control is through restricting the hours that noisy work is carried out. Compliance with the following hours is recommended and considered reasonable:

• Monday to Friday: 07.30 – 18.00
• Saturdays: 08.00 – 13.00
• Sundays and Bank Holidays: No noisy working normally permitted.

These times do not restrict other work activities that would not result in noise disturbance, for example quiet internal work.

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 of these hours.

Contractors should also do everything reasonably possible (using best practical means) to ensure noise from works within these hours is kept to a minimum.

Under section 60 of the Control of Pollution Act (COPA) 1974, local authorities have powers to control noise (and vibration) from building sites.  We will normally try to achieve noise control by agreeing measures with site operators informally or through planning controls.  However, if required, control can be achieved by serving a notice on the person responsible for the construction operations. The notice can specify types of plant 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, we may require 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 the Environmental Protection team to discuss noise control on their development in advance of work being undertaken.  Alternatively, contractors could formally apply for Prior Consent under Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, which covers all the aspects described above.

Application and advice

Download Section-61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 application form.