Pollution from small scale construction
Construction and demolition works may cause noise, dust, light or odour nuisance.
Where to find help
- Email: environmentalprotection@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
- Telephone: 0300 123 7 038 and ask to speak to our Environmental Protection Team
- By post: Environmental Protection Team, Regulatory Services, Cheshire West and Chester Council, 1st Floor, East Wing, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, CW7 1AH
Guidelines
Our Environmental Protection Team recommend that in order to control pollution, minimise the risk of disturbance from construction and demolition and in the interests of preserving residential amenity, contractors follow our guidance.
Should a Statutory Nuisance be proved, we would be duty bound to serve a notice requiring that the nuisance be stopped. Failure to comply with a notice served under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 may attract a fine, upon summary conviction in a Magistrates Court of up to £20,000.
Hours of operation
Hours of operation should be limited to:
- Monday - Friday: 8am - 6pm
- Saturdays: 8am - 1pm
- No work on Sundays or Bank Holidays
Where noisy operations or works outside these hours are unavoidable, or where work is expected to continue for long periods, liaise with local residents and us so that everyone is kept informed and knows who to contact should problems arise.
Noise
| Noise source | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| Common plant and machinery e.g. cement mixers, generators, concrete Stihl saws | Site the plant and machinery as far away as possible from noise sensitive areas. Screen noisy machinery from noise sensitive areas. Machinery should be suitable for the work to be carried out, properly maintained and operated. If the machine is stationary, fit an acoustic enclosure where necessary. Switch off machinery when not in use. |
| Vehicles moving on and off site e.g. Trucks, JCBs, delivery of building materials | Prevent vehicles from entering the site between 6pm and 8am. |
| Radios | Keep radio volume down and at a level that cannot be heard off site. |
Dust and grit
Every effort should be made to control dust and grit escaping from the site for example the wetting down of dusty sites.
Light
Every effort should be made to control artificial light escaping from a site for example the fitting of diffusers/guards, ensuring there is no light overspill into neighbouring properties.
Smoke
No burning of any waste material should take place. Should any materials be burnt that cause the emission of dark smoke for example from burning plastics, rubber and paints, then this would be a contravention of the Clean Air Act 1993. The perpetrator would be liable for prosecution and upon conviction, liable for a fine of up to £20,000.
Should a Statutory Nuisance be proved, we would be duty bound to serve a notice requiring that the nuisance be stopped. Failure to comply with a notice served under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 may attract a fine, upon summary conviction in a Magistrates' Court of up to £20,000.