Public asked to have say on curbing noisy construction work

New restrictions on noisy construction work could come into force after Kensington & Chelsea Council launched a public consultation on the issue.

It could result in reducing the permitted number of hours noisy construction work can take place in Kensington and Chelsea during the week, and prohibit noisy work on Saturdays, meaning contractors no longer being able to carry out activities such as demolition work, piling or drilling, which are audible at the site boundary on weekends.

These are just two of the proposals contained in a draft Code of Construction Practice produced by the council, which also urges construction companies to improve the way they communicate with neighbours who will be disturbed by noisy and dusty works.

If the code is adopted the permitted hours for noisy construction work, defined as work audible at the site boundary, would be reduced by 30 minutes on weekdays with work expected to finish at 6pm.

It would also see all noisy construction work on Saturdays cease - at present work is allowed between 8am and 1pm.

Comments on the draft Code of Construction Practice can be made until October 21 this year.

At the end of the consultation period, all responses will be considered and the code amended as appropriate prior to its formal adoption in late 2015.

Councillor Tim Ahern, environmental health boss at the council, said: “Construction work is part and parcel of everyday life, but in such a densely populated borough as Kensington and Chelsea it is very important that we do whatever we can to make sure disruption to residents’ lives is minimised.

“We think the proposals contained in our draft Code of Construction Practice are sensible and recognise the needs to undertake noisy and dusty work but focus the minds of developers and builders to the need to communicate clearly and mitigate, wherever possible, the impact their works are having.”

Earlier this year, the Health and Safety Executive launched a crackdown on unsafe basement extensions in well-off London boroughs, including Kensington & Chelsea.

For more information about the draft Code of Practice and to comment go to www.rbkc.gov.uk/draftcode.