Find A Document:
Living near commercial or industrial premises can mean extra noise in the neighbourhood. Although some noise may be unavoidable, it can often be controlled using improved work practices. Builders should make all reasonable efforts to minimise noise.
The Environment Protection Act 1993 requires anyone doing something that pollutes or might pollute the environment to take all reasonable measures to prevent or minimise environmental harm or nuisance. Noise issues from residential properties may be an environmental nuisance under the Act if the noise unreasonably interferes with the enjoyment of the area.
Noisy construction activities should be limited to the following times:
Monday to Saturday: 7 am to 7 pm
Sunday: If a builder considers Sunday work is essential, noise should be kept to a minimum. In these cases work should not start before 9 am and should be finished by 7 pm.
If construction noise is causing a nuisance it is best to try contacting the builders in a friendly way—they may not realise the effect the noise is having. Often a builder can reduce the noise by using quieter equipment or by moving machinery away from houses. If this approach is unsuccessful, then consider an agreement about when the noisy activity will occur.
Further information
Last modified: 05/06/2012 02:26 pm
