About commercial and development noise

Noisy extractor flues, machines, fans, vehicles, alarms, entertainment and construction noise can be very annoying and may become a Statutory Nuisance.

What you should do if you are being disturbed by noise from commercial premises.

• Identify where the noise is coming from
• Speak to other residents or businesses who may be affected
• Try speaking to the manager and explaining the problem – they are often unaware of the problem and can try to resolve it quickly
• Keep some records of when, how long and the type of noise being experienced

If you are unable to speak with the manager or they do not take any action, you will need to contact us.

Sometimes there are planning or licensing restrictions on premises and it may be easier to check compliance against these rather than proving a nuisance. For example, a pub may have operating hours or be required to keep doors shut, or a factory condenser may have a noise level limit.

Advice for businesses

If your business is near homes, arrange all loading and deliveries at times that will not disturb people. Not all sites have time restrictions imposed on them by planning. Older sites in particular often do not have time restrictions applied to their permission. It is advisable wherever possible to have no deliveries after 11pm or before 7am where they are close by residential properties. If this cannot be avoided and there are no planning conditions on the site, delivery drivers should be advised to take all reasonable precautions while making deliveries.

• Turn the engine off on arrival
• Avoid slamming doors
• Avoid dropping things
• Do not play a radio in the cab as they draw up
• Do not shout or whistle

Larger companies and distribution centres should consider acoustic fencing to help reduce noise impact on neighbouring properties, along with the combination of the measures below.

Prior Consent for Noise from Construction Sites (Section 61 Consents)

Summary

The prior consent process is designed to protect neighbouring residents and businesses from the effects of noise pollution from construction sites.

Contractors carrying out construction activities may apply for consent to undertake works that will give rise to noise. These activities may include:

1. Erection, alteration, repair or maintenance of buildings, structures or roads
2. Breaking up, opening or boring under any road or adjacent land in connection with the construction, inspection, maintenance or removal of works
3. Demolition or dredging works
4. Any work of engineering construction (whether or not already comprised within 1, 2, or 3 above).

Issuing a consent allows the local authority to set conditions including times during which construction work can be carried out, the level of noise that may be emitted, the work methods that may be used and the local authority may also specify the plant that can be used. The duration of the consent can also be limited.

You can find more information here – Control of Pollution Act 1974 (legislation.gov.uk) 

Apply

North Somerset – Application Form for Section 61 Prior Consent

DOC, 38.6KB

East Somerset – Application Form for Section 61 Prior Consent

DOC, 38.7KB

South Somerset – Application Form for Section 61 Prior Consent

DOC, 38.6KB

West Somerset – Application Form for Section 61 Prior Consent

DOC, 39.8KB

Development and construction work guidelines

Due to the nature of construction work, noise is unavoidable and can rarely be completely prevented. Unfortunately, noise from construction sites can be very disturbing for people who live and work near the site, particularly if it is a large development that takes a considerable length of time. And if the work takes place in what would normally be a quiet residential area. Noise can come from the operation of plants, machinery and power tools, the movement of vehicles and deliveries of materials.

Carry out construction and demolition work considerately

It is important to plan ahead and avoid problems. All work on construction sites must employ ‘Best Practicable Means’ as defined by Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1972 to minimise the effects of noise and vibration. You should follow the guidelines given in British Standard 5228-1 2:2009: ‘Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites – Part 1 (Noise) and Part 2 (Vibration)’.

Contractors should follow the following guidelines:

• Keep normal working hours between 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. There should be no noisy work carried out on Sundays or Bank Holidays.
• Make sure any particularly noisy operations and deliveries are carried out in the above times.
• Give neighbours who may be affected by particular operations at least 48 hours notice.
• Select and properly maintain the quietest suitable equipment and machinery and observe safe working practices.
• Make sure all contractors and sub-contractors are told to carry out their work in compliance with agreed guidelines on noise and other issues such as dust.
• For long-term and complex projects, arrange for detailed liaison with the local community through structured meetings with local residents.
• Avoid the need to park on the street by providing onsite parking wherever possible.
• Inform us where and when your activities might be expected to cause a disturbance.
• Take all reasonably practical steps to prevent noise (and other issues such as dust) from causing a nuisance.
• Do not allow the use of radios on the site in circumstances where it could cause a nuisance to neighbouring residents.