Construction, demolition and pollution

Hours of work

As a general rule, where a neighbour (residential or commercial) can hear noise in their house, garden, or at their business premises, it is expected that works shall not take place outside the following hours:

  • Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
  • Saturdays, 8am to 1pm
  • no working on Sundays or Public Holidays

There is scope for negotiation on these hours where there are particularly noise sensitive properties involved, or emergency or specialist work that has to be undertaken.

In areas which are predominantly commercial or industrial there may be advantages in working outside normal hours, whilst in mixed urban areas there will be a need to compromise.

Such works shall require prior approval from the council and will only be granted under exceptional circumstances.

All vehicles and plants arriving at and leaving the site shall comply with the same restrictions on hours. The main contractor shall be held responsible for informing all sub-contractors working on the site of the permitted hours of work.

Coronavirus guidance for extended working hours

If your construction site needs to operate extended working hours in accordance with the latest government pandemic guidance, you will need to apply to us for consent to do this.

If working hours are controlled through a planning condition

If your site's working hours are controlled through a planning condition (either specifically or as part of a construction management plan), you will need to submit a formal planning application.

Working hours for other sites

For other construction sites, you will need to apply to us for consent to operate extended hours:

Email: pollution@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Information required

In both cases, you will need to provide the following information and details to support your application:

  • a site location plan with the specific works locations for extended hours site operations
  • nearest sensitive receptors or residential properties should be identified and highlighted, together with locations for noise & vibration and dust monitoring
  • justification for the extended working hours, including working arrangements to reduce and mitigate risks associated with the spread of Coronavirus infection
  • the proposed start and end dates for the extended working hours arrangements 
  • a description and method statement of the works that will be undertaken, outlining:
    • proposed hours and days of working (NB working on Sundays or Bank Holidays will not be permitted) and the period these would need to be applied over
    • any phases for the works
    • machinery to be used and methods employed
  • a Management Plan detailing how each of the following environmental impacts will be monitored, controlled and mitigated during the proposed extended working hours:
    • noise and vibration
    • dust
    • artificial light
  • complaints management procedure, including contact details for a single point of contact with overall responsibility for onsite operations (this includes for sites with multiple developers operating).

The developer will also be expected to maintain an accurate record of all works undertaken during the extended hours, so these can be cross-referenced and the causes identified should complaints be received in the future.