Torbay Council

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Construction Noise

Construction/demolition sites can be a source of various environmental problems if not managed correctly.
The Environmental Protection Section will give you advice if you are experiencing noise or other problems from a site. It is important to realise that such sites are often noisy and dusty, which is the nature of the task in hand.  We therefore may not be able to resolve certain problems of the construction/demolition companies working within the hours described below and within the constraints of British Standards 5228, 1997.

Information for companies wishing to open such a site

The main document that a company should be familiar with is The Control of Noise (Codes of Practice for Construction and Open Sites) opens in a new window. This deals with the prediction of noise levels at the nearest residential properties, as well as those actions that can be undertaken to minimise that nuisance. It can be obtained by visiting the bsonline web site.
Though we would not necessarily expect you to be undertaking these predictions, it is felt you should be doing all you can to minimise nuisance. The most important points are
  1. using machinery and plant that is designed to be as quiet as they can now manufacture,
  2. installing earth bunds, acoustic fencing, or other noise attenuation measures, where appropriate,
  3. switching off plant, not in use,
  4. installing generators etc, in sensible locations to minimise nuisance.
Noise includes Vibration control, and though few sites would be using piling or blasting, special consideration is needed. In this, case, you should be contacting us for advice. You are welcome to contact for any advice on noise matters.

Working hours

Though we would not look to put any restrictions on sites with regard to working times where applicable, however we would not expect noisy activities to be taking place outside of 7:30 am-6 pm Monday to Friday, and 8 am-1 pm Saturday. We would define noisy activities are those where a neighbour, whether residential or commercial, could hear it in their house or garden, or at their business premises. Clearly there is room for some flexibility, from both ourselves and from yourselves, especially if there are no immediate neighbours, or there are particular noise sensitive properties. This is some thing we can discuss, if you need advice.

Information to nearby residents

It is useful, to keep neighbours advised of what is happening. A letter to nearby residents, of likely start dates, and identifying particularly noisy activities helps keep complaints to a minimum. I would therefore advise that some approach is made to neighbours. They will often be quite tolerant, if they know what time scales are likely and what is happening.



Related Websites

Contact Environmental Protection