Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

Vale of White Horse District Council

Building sites

Construction and demolition works are usually noisy and although the work may not last long, the disturbance caused by noise and dust and other issues may lead to problems for people who live and work near the site. The Council often receives complaints from people about this disturbance.  

The Council has extensive powers to control noise and other nuisance from building sites under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This can involve prescribing working hours and methods.  

In order to prevent problems from occurring we would encourage builders or contractors to follow these guidelines which should help minimise the disturbance caused to people living nearby:

• Give neighbours who may be affected at least 48 hours notice.
• Keep normal working hours between 7.30am to 6.00pm weekdays and 8.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays. There should be no Sunday or Bank Holiday working, as far as possible.
• Select the quietest suitable plant and equipment and keep it properly maintained and observe safe working practices.
• Make sure that all sub-contractors are told to carry out their work in compliance with agreed guidelines on noise, dust and other matters.
• For long term and complex projects, arrange for detailed liaison with the local community, through structured meetings with residents.
• Avoid the need to park on the street by providing on site parking wherever possible.
• Inform the Environmental Protection Team where your activities might be expected to cause disturbance. Care must be taken to avoid damage to neighbours property.
• Sites should be surveyed for the presence of asbestos containing materials by a competent person. Detailed law exists on working with and disposal of such material.
• Keep the public footpaths and highways in a clean and tidy state.
• DO NOT light bonfires; the penalties are severe and the exemptions are very restricted.
• Take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent noise and dust from causing nuisance.
• Ensure that any particularly noisy operations are carried out within the above times.
• Do not allow the use of radios on the site in circumstances where it could cause a disturbance.        

 If you would like any further advice and information please contact the Environmental Protection Team – see the contact details on the right.