Complaints about excessive noise are investigated by the local authority who can take action if the noise is considered to be a statutory nuisance. The Council operates a Night Time Noise Service, Nightwatch on 7 nights per week between 8pm and 4am. The team will respond to neighbour noise as quickly as possible. They can be contacted by ringing 0191 274 4000.
If you experience noise from construction site or demolition sites or are a contractor and would like more information about control measures and hours of operation, please speak to the Environment and Safety Team on 01912116102. More information about this is set out below.
We deal with burglar alarms, up to midnight seven days a week. Contact the Civic Centre on 0191 232 8520 and ask for the duty Environmental Health Officer.
Noise is also taken into account when proposals for new development are submitted for Planning Approval. Occupational noise exposure in commercial places of entertainment is the responsibility of the Council's Health and Safety Enforcement Officers.
To make a complaint or seek further advice E-mail: rspp@newcastle.gov.uk
This email address is not monitored at night so please use 0191 274 4000 to contact the Night Time Noise Team if you have problems between 8pm and 4am.
For more information please contact the Environmental Protection, Pollution Control and LA 21 Team on 0191 211 6102.
This information note is intended for contractors, developers, architects, utilities and others who are undertaking works in the City of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Noise Control
Your attention is drawn to the Control of Pollution Act 1974 which allows the Council to set the times during which work may be carried out and the methods of work to be used.
These requirements can extend to the following work:
a) The erection, construction, alteration, repair or maintenance of buildings, structures or roads;
b) Breaking up, opening or boring under any road or adjacent land in connection with the construction, inspection, maintenance or removal of works;
c) Demolition or dredging works;
d) Any work of engineering construction (whether of not already comprised in paragraphs a, b, or c above)
The Council will not hesitate to take action against any person contravening the requirements of a notice served upon them or, where a serious nuisance occurs, to take proceedings in the High Court for an injunction.
The Requirements
Hours of working - the permitted hours are:
· Monday to Friday: 8.00am to 6.00pm
· Saturday 8.00am to 1.00pm
· Sundays and Bank Holidays: No Working
These times apply to work, which is audible at the site boundary.
In exceptional circumstances (for example, in the case of Police traffic restrictions or in an emergency) work outside these hours may be unavoidable and in such cases the person responsible should consult with us as far in advance as possible. Such persons are also advised to notify surrounding residents of works of this type. The permitted times of working may be reduced in the case of particularly noisy operations.
Methods of Work
In all cases the best practicable means of minimising noise must be used and guidance is given in British Standard BS 5228: Parts 1, and 2 (1984) and Part 4(1986) entitled 'Noise Control on Construction and Open Sites'.
The following examples are applicable:
a) For any particular job, the quietest plant and/or machinery should be used. Where appropriate it must be constructed to meet the requirements of EEC Directives;
b) all equipment should be maintained in good mechanical order and fitted with the appropriate silencers, mufflers or acoustic covers.
c) Stationary noise sources should be sited as far as possible from noise sensitive development, and where necessary acoustic barriers should be used to shield them; such barriers may be proprietary types, or may consist of site materials such as bricks or earth mounds;
d) Any piling should be carried out by the method causing the minimum of noise and vibration; sheet steel piling whether permanent or temporary should be driven by vibratory jacking or boxsilenced percussion systems or a combination of these methods subject to the requirements of the Buiding Control;
e) The movement of vehicles to and from the site must be controlled and should not take place outside the permitted hours unless with prior approval; employees should be supervised to ensure compliance with the noise control measures adopted.
Air Pollution Control
Your attention is drawn to the Environmental Protection Act 1990 , which enables the City Council to impose requirements to prevent or abate nuisance from dust and smoke.
Dust should be controlled at source by a continuous fine water spray. The sprinkler system should be capable of reaching all parts of the site. To ensure this can be done, an adequate water supply must be provided with a means of disposal of waste water. The perimeter of the site should be screened to a sufficient height to prevent the spread of dust. Where this is not practicable, screening should be provided close to the source of the dust. Lightweight small mesh nylon sheeting is recommended.
Bonfires are not permitted. Materials infected with dry rot or woodworm should be removed from the site in sealed containers and deposited upon sites licensed for that purpose.
General
In the interests of good public relations, you are advised to inform and consult local residents regarding works and to give them the name of person on site who will be able to deal with queries.
If you have any queries about these matters please telephone the Noise Team who will be pleased to discuss the requirements for a particular site in detail, or you may wish to apply for formal approval for works on construction sites under section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974.
Environment Team
Public Health and Environmental Protection
Newcastle City Council
Civic Centre
Barras Bridge
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8PB
Tel 0191 2116102
Page last updated: 18 April, 2012
