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Original poster

To think this is not allowed? Construction noise

36 replies

LoudNoiseCantCope · 21/11/2025 07:03

NC’d for this as I also posted in local facebook groups for opinions and to see if others have the same issue or if I’m just being noise sensitive.

I live in a new build (and I’m not looking for a debate on new builds). When we moved here we knew there would be construction noise and we were fine with that. And we still are….during the day.

Early mornings however! Apparently work is allowed to start at 7am on weekdays, which I still think is very early. But in reality that seems to mean the noise starts before 6:30. All the builders sit queuing down our road and others with their engines on, sometimes music playing. If you’re trying to get back to sleep it’s impossible. Then once all the vans are in the material deliveries start around 6:45, this is actually louder than the construction as the lorries and material on them are so noisy.

I’m having problems sleeping at the moment and it’s just making me so mad. Awoken at 6:30 this morning and couldn’t get back to sleep, now listening to all the deliveries.

Do we have any grounds for complaint - are there any rules or laws on construction and associated noises this early every single fucking day?

OP posts:
CharlotteUnaNatalieThompson · 21/11/2025 07:28

Itsaknockout235 · 21/11/2025 07:08

Tradition is for tradies to start at 7am then work till 3pm. This ensures materials can be moved to construction sites before rush hour and also frees time in the afternoon to place material orders at the builder’s yard. I think you might be being unreasonable.

Most people get up at 6:30ish surely?

Have you even read the OP? She's clearly complaining about noise BEFORE 7am.

Also just because you clearly are up by 6.30 that doesn't mean it's the case for most people. It's certainly not for me and presumably not for most given the guidelines on when this work can be done!

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 21/11/2025 07:27

Their working hours will be set out in the planning conditions for the site. 8am-5pm is fairly standard.

Before you pull out the big guns, could you go and speak to the site manager ?

BlueMum16 · 21/11/2025 07:26

LoudNoiseCantCope · 21/11/2025 07:16

Thank you, I’ll have a look into this. Does the traffic/engines/deliveries count as construction noise or are they covered by the act regardless?

Show quote history

Speak to the site manager and see if he can help with any of it.

Music turned down, engines off when idling. They don't want to upset the new home owners usually in my experience but there's probably little else they can do.

Is your house/garden finished? On our development some got free turf for complaining.

ClaredeBear · 21/11/2025 07:26

I’d be fine with everything except the engines. It’s cold alright but their employer should provide somewhere they can eat lunch and keep warm, like a cabin and stipulate that they’re not to have their individual engines running.

sorrynotathome · 21/11/2025 07:24

Itsaknockout235 · 21/11/2025 07:08

Tradition is for tradies to start at 7am then work till 3pm. This ensures materials can be moved to construction sites before rush hour and also frees time in the afternoon to place material orders at the builder’s yard. I think you might be being unreasonable.

Most people get up at 6:30ish surely?

No. YOU get up at 6.30 ish - other people get up when they want/need to.

Unescorted · 21/11/2025 07:23

You could have a word with the site manager... Their number will be on the site board. They will be able to ask their trade teams to keep the noise down if they are parked outside a habitated house or get them to park in a different place area.

It will probably be more effective and have swifter results than complaining to the council... Especially if the developer is part of the considerate constructors scheme.

Original poster
LoudNoiseCantCope · 21/11/2025 07:16

cornflourblue · 21/11/2025 07:13

Look up the 1974 Pollution Control Act, noise should be restricted until 8am.

Complain to your Council eith evidence of the noise, and keep complaining.

Thank you, I’ll have a look into this. Does the traffic/engines/deliveries count as construction noise or are they covered by the act regardless?

OP posts:
cornflourblue · 21/11/2025 07:13

Look up the 1974 Pollution Control Act, noise should be restricted until 8am.

Complain to your Council eith evidence of the noise, and keep complaining.

Original poster
LoudNoiseCantCope · 21/11/2025 07:13

Itsaknockout235 · 21/11/2025 07:08

Tradition is for tradies to start at 7am then work till 3pm. This ensures materials can be moved to construction sites before rush hour and also frees time in the afternoon to place material orders at the builder’s yard. I think you might be being unreasonable.

Most people get up at 6:30ish surely?

Well the poor guys don’t finish around 5 or later round here!

Maybe I should get them to complain they’re overworked Grin although come to think of it I think there’s some sort of swap at midday

OP posts:
Itsaknockout235 · 21/11/2025 07:08

Tradition is for tradies to start at 7am then work till 3pm. This ensures materials can be moved to construction sites before rush hour and also frees time in the afternoon to place material orders at the builder’s yard. I think you might be being unreasonable.

Most people get up at 6:30ish surely?

Original poster
LoudNoiseCantCope · 21/11/2025 07:07

Sorry should have included in my post:

Apparently construction is allowed to begin at 8am on Saturdays, which means the times in my OP just move an hour later (sometimes not even just this! We’ve had the vans outside at 7am on a Saturday before).

We do at least get a reprieve on Sundays.

OP posts:
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