Building noise

If you’re having major work done to your home – or if you’re living on a street where someone else is having major work done to their home – building noise can significantly affect your daily life. The sounds of drills, hammers, and other tools can all be loud and disruptive, which is why there are regulations around building noise and when it can occur.

The specifics of when building noise (defined as noise audible at the boundary of a building site, for example, by neighbours next door to a site) can take place are set by local authorities, in line with the Control of Pollution Act 1974. However, the typical permitted times are usually:

• Mondays to Fridays: 8am to 6pm
• Saturdays: 8am to 1pm
• Sundays and Bank Holidays: No noisy work allowed

Some local authorities may have different hours, such as 9am to 2pm on Saturdays, so it is advisable to check with your local council for the exact regulations in your area.

There are cases where these rules can be amended due to specific circumstances. For example, when planning permission is required for a project, the associated permissions may specify guidelines on permissible working times to minimise disruption to local businesses.

Builders found breaching these regulations may face fines of up to £20,000.

It benefits all involved to try to prevent noise issues before they occur. The simplest approach is to inform neighbours of the working hours and, if possible, provide a schedule outlining the planned phases of the project so they are aware of when the most noise and disruption will happen.

If you are concerned that building noise is occurring outside permitted hours, you can contact your local authority, which should have a dedicated team to investigate complaints.