We respond to dust complaints concerning construction sites. Construction sites should follow the guidance in the GLA and London Councils - Best Practice Guidance: "The Control of Dust and Emissions from Construction and Demolition", November 2006.

Construction activities are inherently noisy and often take place in areas that are normally quiet.

The Control of Pollution Act 1974 gives local authorities the power to serve notice imposing requirements as to the way in which construction works are to be carried out. If found guilty of an offence under this Act, without reasonable excuse, the maximum fine is £5,000 with a maximum penalty of £50 for each day on which the offence continues after conviction.

British Standard Code of Practice 5228 provides guidance for Noise from construction sites.

The Control of Pollution Act 1974 s61 – Prior Consent

Companies intending to carry out extended work may apply in advance for permission for the methods by which these works are to be carried out or to extend the hours of work

For major building works that are likely to disturb local residents noisy works are only permitted between:

Monday to Friday 8am-6pm
Saturday 8am-1pm
Sunday and Bank Holidays are not allowed

DIY work is not covered by a code of practice but in Waltham Forest our policy is to require that the following hours are kept for noisy DIY work:-

Monday to Friday 8am-6pm if working all day, up to 8pm if working on return from work
Saturdays 8am-6pm
Sundays/Bank Holidays 10am-4pm

If working in the evening it is advised that noisy work is carried out at the start of the evening

These hours are guidelines only and if work is not audible outside the premises then working outside these hours will be possible.

We will investigate any allegation of work being carried out outside of recommended hours and can serve an abatement notice under the provisions of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 to restrict the hours of noise work.

For further information/advice please contact the Duty Noise officer on 020 8496 3000 to contact us by post:

Noise Team
Environmental Health
Environment & Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
London E17 4JF

Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk

or

If you would like to find out more information regarding the control of pollution of construction sites deployed by Waltham Forest please complete the enquiry form and return to us.

Contact us

Environmental Health and Trading Standards
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
Walthamstow  E17 4SU

Tel 020 8496 3000
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk