This page contains advice to contractors and homeowners to prevent nuisance from construction and DIY activities. It provides some possible sources and suggests ways to control potential nuisance situations.

Don’t forget to speak to your neighbours to let them know what work is planned as early as possible. This will avoid losing time or money due to responding to complaints.

Please note that this information is for general guidance only. There can be occasions when other arrangements are necessary to take account of site-specific situations. For further information visit the statutory noise nuisance page on this website.

Statutory noise nuisance

Potential source of nuisance	How to control it
Storage - Wind-blown dust emissions arise not only from processes carried out at the site but also from storage. Dust problems can occur 24 hours a day.	The wind, its speed and direction cannot be controlled, so other methods need to be looked at: Dampening of material Protection from wind by storage under cover, for example, material cover
Loading and unloading activities - Moving materials can cause problems with dust.	Loading and unloading is a vital and frequent aspect of business. Possible controls include: Dampening of material. Reducing drop heights where possible. Protecting activities from wind, which can make the problem worse.
Transport within and off site can cause two problems: Making dust airborne by turbulence generated by vehicle movement. Weight of vehicles crushing larger particles to produce smaller particles, which become more readily airborne	Does depend greatly on vehicle traffic on and around site. These methods may help: Sheeting/covering lorries Wheel wash Restrict vehicle speed Dampening of material and unsurfaced roads.
Dust from construction and demolition activities For example: grinding out mortar prior to re-pointing stone cutting general demolition activities	Controls could include: Use of protective sheeting Damping down Connect equipment to constant water supply (where possible)
Common plant and machinery For example - cement mixers, generators	Position plant and machinery as far away as possible from noise sensitive areas. Screen noisy machinery from noise sensitive areas using existing buildings, earth and rubble piles, etc, where possible. 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. Where possible use mains electricity rather than a generator supply. Switch off all equipment when not in use. Try to keep the noisier work for the middle of the day. Quieter work is best kept for the beginning or end of the day, for example, painting and decorating. It is recommended that you limit working hours to: Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm / Saturdays, 8am - 1pm / No work on Sundays or Bank Holidays
Manual mechanical handling of materials and equipment - Demolition activities, brick crushing, scaffolding	Consider appropriate timing of the activity and reduce drop heights
Vehicles moving on and off site For example - trucks, JCBs, delivery of building materials	Prevent vehicles from visiting the site between 6pm and 8am (overnight) Prevent suppliers visiting site early and causing idling vehicles outside the site
Radios	Keep the volume of music down, and at a level that cannot be heard by nearby residents.
Pile driving	Where the development involves pile driving, contact the local authority before the work begins. The information they will be looking for will include: The proposed hours of piling and the duration of the work; The proposed methodology and the justification behind it; and A site contact should complaints be received.
Waste disposal	As a business you have a duty of care to ensure that all waste is disposed of safely, appropriately and legally, either by yourself or by a licensed waste carrier. We would encourage homeowners to compost, recycle and ensure proper disposal of their waste before burning is considered. Fires should always be closely supervised at all times and items such as plastics, rubber or treated wood should never be disposed of in this manner. It is always polite to let your neighbours know when you intend to have a fire and check the weather prior to having a bonfire.
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.

Template letters

Letter to neighbour

Letter to business

Letter to construction site manager