Noise complaints

As you are aware construction/demolition works can be noisy and dusty. This noise and dust can sometimes also affect residents who live nearby. The Neighbourhood Enforcement Team receives numerous complaints each year regarding construction and demolition works. These complaints could be prevented by contractors showing due consideration to nearby residents.

We are aware that some degree of inconvenience has to be expected whilst construction works are being carried out but contractors can assist Slough Borough Council by adhering to the following advice:

• follow the recommended working hours for noisy works on construction sites. These are 8am - 6pm, Monday - Friday and 8am - 1pm on Saturdays. No works are permitted on Saturday afternoons, Sundays or Bank Holidays
• ensure no deliveries take place outside of the recommended working hours
• for large or lengthy developments you can apply for Prior Consent for Noisy Works under Section 61 of The Control of Pollution Act 1974. This shows the council that you have the appropriate measures in place to control noise emissions from the site, before work begins. Download the Prior Consent application form.
• do not burn waste on site, ensure you have adequate means of disposing of your waste
• when carrying out any works which generate dust please ensure adequate measures are in place to prevent neighbours being affected, for example, by damping down
• ensure a contact telephone number is displayed at the site boundary to enable residents who may have concerns to contact you to discuss and resolve their concerns
• ensure any security lights installed on the site are angled away from nearby residential properties
• ensure any machinery/equipment to be used on site is maintained in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

The law

Legal powers are available to the council under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. If needed, a notice can be served requiring the contractor to make changes to the way in which works are carried out on construction/demolition sites. The notice may specify:

• the plant and machinery which is or is not to be used
• the hours during which works may be carried out
• the level of noise that may be emitted from the premises
• the council may also use the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Section 80 should complaints be received regarding alleged smoke/dust nuisance. An abatement notice may be served should sufficient evidence be gathered to substantiate a statutory nuisance. A statutory nuisance is an unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of someone’s property.