Construction and demolition work is essential for the growth and regeneration of the Falkirk area. However, such activities are inherently noisy and often take place in areas that are normally quiet. The noise associated with these activities can create problems for occupiers in nearby noise sensitive premises, such as housing, schools and nursing homes. Falkirk Council regularly receives complaints about noise from construction and demolition sites. This leaflet aims to provide advice on how to minimise noise disruption from construction and demolition work, and on what Falkirk Council’s requirements are to control noise.
Common noise complaints received by Falkirk Council include:
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operating equipment, such as generators and pumps unnecessarily
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siting noisy equipment close to noise sensitive premises, when they can be put elsewhere
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starting noisy work too early in the morning
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arranging deliveries to the site too early in the morning.
Avoiding these will help to maintain good relations with neighbours. It is also good practice to notify neighbours prior to any noisy work being carried out. Describe the work to be carried out, how long the work is to last and what is being done to minimise any disturbance.
The Control of Pollution Act 1974
Falkirk Council has powers to impose conditions on operators of construction and demolition sites under section 60 of The Control of Pollution Act 1974. This allows us to serve a notice imposing requirements as to the way the work is carried out, including time restrictions, plant and machinery restrictions and noise limits.
The activities covered by the Act include:
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the erection, construction, alteration, repair or maintenance of buildings, structures or roads
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breaking up, opening or boring under any road or adjacent land in connection with the construction, inspection, maintenance or removal of works
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demolition or dredging work
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any work of engineering construction.
The requirements also cover small scale construction sites, such as driveway monoblocking and self build houses.
Time restrictions
The main requirement imposed on sites by Falkirk Council are time restrictions. Noisy work on all sites is restricted to:
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Day
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Times
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Monday to Friday
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8.00 - 18.00
(8.00am - 6.00pm)
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Saturday
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9.00 - 17.00
(9.00am - 5.00pm)
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Sundays and bank holidays
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10.00 - 16.00
(10.00am - 4.00pm)
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Noisy work is defined as work that is audible at the site boundary.
Note; Exceptions may be made to these hours in certain circumstances.
Please contact us for further advice on noise nuisance.