4 May 2016
New Noise Restrictions in West London
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has adopted a new code of practice, which reduces the permitted hours for noisy works on sites within the borough as well as introduces new planning requirements.
All new developments will be subject to the Code of Construction Practice and existing sites will have to implement it over the next six to 12 months. Contractors are required to read the code at the planning stage of works to ensure that their construction methodology conforms to its requirements, including:
• The new permitted hours for noisy works (audible at site boundaries) are:
– Monday to Friday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
– Saturdays, Sundays and Public/Bank Holidays: No works permitted.
• Restricted hours have been introduced for ‘high impact activities’ such as demolition and concrete-breaking works:
– Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:30pm
– Saturdays, Sundays and Public/Bank Holidays: No works permitted.
• Contractors are required to have a communication strategy for neighbour liaison and give prior notice of any unavoidable noise or vibration that neighbours are likely to be exposed to.
• All sites must be assessed and characterised as either Category 1, 2 or 3, which will determine the extent of neighbour liaison, noise monitoring and whether an S61 Prior Consent is required. Category 1 sites will normally require an S61 Prior Consent application to be submitted. All sites will be controlled through a notice/consent under S60 or S61 of the Control of Pollution Act.
• The quietest available equipment and methods must be used in conjunction with noise barriers and mitigation measures:
– The use of percussive breaking equipment must be avoided wherever possible
– Dust suppression and screening must be used.
To find out more about the noise restrictions in Kensington and Chelsea, visit the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea website. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Royal Borough by phone on 020 7361 3002 or via email at environmentalhealth@rbkc.gov.uk.