There are rules around when you can start noisy work (Image: Getty)
Noisy neighbours are the bane of many people’s lives. Whether it is relentless parties or blaring music, it can be deeply frustrating and have a significant impact on residents’ quality of life.
Beyond persistent disturbances such as these, there are also occasions when the noise is short-lived, such as during construction work or minor repairs. And when these begin early in the morning, it can be all the more irritating, particularly at weekends or on days off when a lie-in would otherwise be on the cards. But is there anything that can be done about it?
According to Cleveland Police, there are regulations that must be adhered to – including precisely when work can begin and end. The force stated on its website: “Having to tolerate either constant or intermittent nuisance noise can be exhausting, especially if it happens through the night. It can also make people feel isolated and helpless, unable to relax in their own homes.”
It continued: “Nuisance noise is any loud or persistent noise that causes you ongoing concern or affects your quality of life. Your local council should be your first contact for reporting nuisance noise as this isn’t usually a matter for the police.”
However, it went on to outline the regulations surrounding noise from construction sites – which typically include work carried out on neighbouring properties, reports Teesside Live. It stated: “Construction companies and contractors must by law take all reasonable steps to control noise and work within certain times, usually from 7.30am to 6pm. If they want to work outside these times they must apply for a special permit from the local council.”
Who sets the rules?
Each local council establishes its own guidelines regarding the hours during which noisy work may be undertaken. According to Country Construction, there are regulations in place that are observed across much of the country — though these may differ depending on the area.
It warns: “In general, there isn’t one single nationwide rule that dictates when building work can begin each day. 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 key word 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.”
It continued: “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.”
For instance, West Lothian Council in Scotland states that “generally, the acceptable hours for noisy work” within its jurisdiction are Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm and Saturday, 8am-1pm. No noisy work “will normally be permitted” on Sundays and bank holidays.
In contrast, work in Hartlepool can commence as early as 7.30am. According to its regulations, noisy building work should typically only occur Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 6pm, Saturdays 8.30am-1pm and no work whatsoever on Sundays or Bank Holidays.
Redcar and Cleveland Council operates similar hours of Monday to Friday 7.30am-6pm, Saturday 8am-6pm and prohibits noisy construction work on Sundays or Bank Holidays.
Being woken by building work on a day off can be more than frustrating (Image: Getty)
What can I do if my neighbour is being noisy?
Redcar and Cleveland Council offered guidance on addressing noise complaints involving neighbours. It stated: “The law considers that a certain amount of general living noise is acceptable in day to day life, and that it is not unreasonable to hear your neighbours from time to time.
“In the first instance, it would be recommended to talk to your neighbour about any noise complaints you are experiencing. Often, your neighbour is not aware of the problem and can quickly resolve it.
“If the problem continues, we have a duty to investigate complaints of noise to establish whether the noise is causing a statutory nuisance. The Police do not respond to noise complaints.”
