What is the problem?
Construction activities are inherently noisy. The construction, demolition, alteration and repair of buildings, structures or roads often take place in areas that were quiet beforehand and will be expected to be quiet again once the work has finished.
Is noise inevitable?
It is impossible to have a completely silent building site, but it is usually possible to reduce the noise to a level that is acceptable to local residents. The noisiest of all activities, pile-driving, is thankfully not very common in Bromley, being more often used when large tower blocks or bridges are built. Pile driving involves hammering large metal sheets or concrete piers (piles) into the ground causing excessive noise and vibration. Construction sites always have a number of moving noise sources, such as earth-movers, dumpers, cement mixers, so it is important that they are kept in good condition, and have silencers fitted, where appropriate.
How is it measured?
Noise may not always be measured on a typical building site as noise is constantly changing. However, if e.g. compressors are placed near to a domestic garden, measurements may be taken over a short period of say 15 minutes to confirm levels.
What standards are there?
British Standards (BS 5228:1984) gives useful guidance on noise levels from various types of equipment and this may be used to ensure that the quietest equipment available is being used. Although not setting noise standards, it suggests that site location, existing ambient noise levels, duration of the works, hours of working and any particular noise characteristics are all taken into account when setting a level.
Is there a seasonal pattern to complaints?
Yes, the warmest months give rise to the greatest number of complaints. Most people are more sensitive to noise in the warm weather, and much building work is programmed so that the structural/outdoor work is done in the fine weather. The indoor finishing work is carried out in winter, when the weather is less reliable.
What can we do about it?
All planning applications are checked and it may be considered necessary to control the hours of work or the techniques and methods by planning condition. For example a planning condition could specify that piling should only be carried out for, say, four hours each day. There are also legal powers in the Control of Pollution Act 1974 to set maximum noise levels, working hours or types of equipment. In large developments, the constructors may choose to apply for "prior consent" from the appropriate local authority to find out before developing the site what is an acceptable level for construction noise. The alternative is that in some cases the local authority can force them to change techniques, working hours or equipment in the middle of a job. This can be very disruptive and can seriously affect the work programme. In practice, the most effective means of control is by ensuring that work does not start before 8.00 a.m. and does not continue after 6.00 p.m.
For more information and advice about aircraft noise, see the Noise guide which gives contact details for Council officers.