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This information note is intended for contractors, developers, architects, utilities and others who are undertaking works in Westminster.
The noise team is part of the Department of Environment and Leisure and responds to all complaints of noise, dust and smoke from building sites within 45 minutes of receipt of the complaint.
The Control of Pollution Act 1974 allows the council to set the times during which work may be carried out and the methods of work to be used.
These requirements can extend to the following work:
a) The erection, construction, alteration, repair or maintenance of buildings, structures or roads.
b) Breaking up, opening or boring under any road or adjacent land in connection with the construction, inspection, maintenance or removal of works.
c) Demolition or dredging works.
d) Any work of engineering construction (whether of not already comprised in paragraphs a, b, or c above).
The council will take action against any person contravening the requirements of a notice served upon them or, where a serious nuisance occurs, to take proceedings in the High Court for an injunction.
Hours of working - the permitted hours are:
These times apply to work, which is audible at the site boundary.
In exceptional circumstances (for example, in the case of police traffic restrictions or in an emergency) work outside these hours may be unavoidable. In such cases the person responsible should let us know as far in advance as possible. You are also advised to notify surrounding residents of works of this type.
The permitted times of working may be reduced in the case of particularly noisy operations.
In all cases, the best practicable means of minimising noise must be used and guidance is given in British Standard BS 5228: Parts 1, and 2 (1984) and Part 4 (1986) entitled 'Noise control on construction and open sites'.
The following examples are applicable:
a) For any particular job, the quietest plant and/or machinery should be used. Where appropriate it must be constructed to meet the requirements of EEC directives.
b) All equipment should be maintained in good mechanical order and fitted with the appropriate silencers, mufflers or acoustic covers.
c) Stationary noise sources should be sited as far as possible from noise sensitive development, and where necessary, acoustic barriers should be used to shield them. Such barriers may be proprietary types, or may consist of site materials such as bricks or earth mounds.
d) Any piling should be carried out by the method causing the minimum of noise and vibration; sheet steel piling whether permanent or temporary should be driven by vibratory jacking or boxsilenced percussion systems or a combination of these methods subject to the requirements of the district surveyor.
e) The movement of vehicles to and from the site must be controlled and should not take place outside the permitted hours unless with prior approval; employees should be supervised to ensure compliance with the noise control measures adopted.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 enables the council to impose requirements to prevent or abate nuisance from dust and smoke.
Dust should be controlled at source by a continuous fine water spray. The sprinkler system should be capable of reaching all parts of the site. An adequate water supply must be provided with a means of disposal of waste water.
The perimeter of the site should be screened to a sufficient height to prevent the spread of dust. Where this is not practicable, screening should be provided close to the source of the dust. Lightweight small mesh nylon sheeting is recommended.
Bonfires are not permitted. Materials infected with dry rot or woodworm should be removed from the site in sealed containers and deposited upon sites licensed for that purpose.
For further information contact
The National Environmental Services Association
020 7824 8882
or
The London Waste Regulation Authority
020 7587 3000
In the interests of good public relations, you are advised to inform and consult local residents regarding works. You should also provide the name of person on site who will be able to deal with queries.
If you have any queries about these matters please telephone the noise team who will be pleased to discuss the requirements for a particular site in detail. You may also wish to apply for formal approval for works on construction sites under section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974.
2008 Westminster City Council. Contact the Council
