The main control that the Council can impose on construction sites is to limit the times during which they are permitted to make noise that their neighbours can hear. For general construction works the Council usually imposes (when necessary) the following limits on noisy works:

• Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
• Saturdays 8am to 1pm
• Sundays and bank holidays no noisy activities allowed.

Some particularly noisy activities, such as pile driving, may be subject to stricter time controls to allow neighbours some relief from excessive noise.

On the other hand, some activities may be allowed outside of normal working hours when there is a good reason for this to happen. This might be for health and safety reasons or because the particular operation cannot be completed within the time normally allowed.

When are limits imposed?

The Council usually only imposes time limits on construction sites when they are causing problems for residents. It is, therefore, very important that you let us know if you are being disturbed by noise from construction.

Remember, it is not the work that is being restricted, but noise from the work. If the work is not disturbing anyone, then the Council does not need to impose restrictions on that work. This means that quiet work could go on at almost any time of the day.