A leisurely start to the day is something many look forward to but this can be left in tatters when builders begin work on a neighbouring property early or late in the day. Many builders do long hours over the summer months as they try to get as much work done in the longer daylight hours and better weather.
And if this starts before you’re out of bed it can be frustrating. But is there anything you can do about it or are you stuck with it for however long it takes?
According to Country Construction there are rules in place which are followed across much of the country – although these can vary between areas. It warns: “In general, there isn’t one single nationwide rule that dictates when building work can begin each day.
View 3 ImagesIs the noise from the building work unbearable?(Image: Getty Images)
“Instead, it usually falls to local authorities (your local council) to set regulations under what’s known as the Control of Pollution Act 1974. This act gives councils the power to restrict noisy work at times when it’s likely to cause a nuisance to nearby residents.
“While each local council may differ slightly in their specific guidelines, there are some fairly consistent norms across the UK. Most councils set permitted hours for construction noise to be from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. Sundays and Bank Holidays are generally off-limits for noisy work.
“That said, the keyword here is ‘noisy’. Quiet work that doesn’t involve loud tools or machinery may be tolerated outside of these hours, but this is at the discretion of your local council and sometimes the goodwill of your neighbours.”
The construction firm added: “Although the 8am start time is the standard across much of the UK, it’s not legally binding everywhere in the exact same way. Local authorities have the freedom to establish their own permitted hours and enforcement measures.”
It said, for example, Westminster City Council in London allows noisy construction from 8am to 6pm on weekdays, from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. However it completely prohibits noisy work on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Other councils have similar rules. Southwark Council operates an 8am-6pm Monday to Friday rule with Saturdays 9am-2pm and no work over Sundays or Bank Holidays.
View 3 ImagesThe noise could be considered a statutory nuisance(Image: Getty Images)
However other areas have different times, including Hartlepool where work can start as early as 7.30am. Under its rules construction work should usually only take place Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 6pm, Saturdays 8.30am-1pm and no work at all on Sundays or Bank Holidays.
It said: “Workers may arrive up to 30 minutes before starting. Noise should be kept to a minimum during the first hour. If noise is a problem, speak to the company first. If that doesn’t help, contact us.”
Country Construction advised anyone carrying out work or with concerns about noise from properties or building sites to check the specific rules with their local authority saying: “It’s always wise to check directly with your local authority if you’re unsure. Most council websites will clearly list permitted hours for construction noise, and many offer guidance on how to apply for permissions or extensions in special circumstances.”
It also clarified what is meant by “noisy work”. It said: “It’s not just jackhammers and angle grinders. Councils typically consider any activity that produces sound at a level likely to disturb nearby residents as potentially problematic.
“This includes tasks like hammering, drilling, sawing, heavy lifting with metal scaffolding, or operating loud machinery like cement mixers and power saws. Even deliveries of construction materials using lorries with reversing beepers or cranes can be deemed disruptive.”
While noisy work is banned outside these hours builders can set up and carry out quiet tasks as long as the noise isn’t loud enough to continue beyond the property line. And the rules also apply to householders doing their own DIY.
If you are affected by noise from a neighbouring property or construction site you can complain to your local council which can investigate and, if necessary, issue a stop notice. If the offender continues in breach of the order it can lead to fines or prosecution.
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There are however, some exceptions to the rules. Emergency work such as repairing gas mains or water leaks might need to be done outside the standard hours. Some bigger projects might also have been given exemptions to the usual rules.