Noise from building works

[DragonMamma]

There's a plot of land between my neighbour and I which he owns and has planning permission to build a property on. He's a bit of a wheeler dealer and has a reputation for being a bit paranoid.

So the foundations were laid months ago and the site has been fenced off until last week when materials were delivered.

So far they've worked all day Saturday, most of Sunday and every evening this week (theyve just knocked off now).

There's no heavy machinery or plant at the moment as they are just laying the brick work but there's a lot of banging and knocking as they cut bricks/put them in to place.

I politely went out about 30mins ago and asked when they were finishing because the banging was getting on my nerves, especially as the windows are open in this heat.

I also raised the fact that they'd been working all weekend and I was concerned that this was going to continue for the entire build and I thought they were restricted to 8am-6pm in the week, 8am-1pm on Saturday and no works on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The builder said he would ONLY be working out of hours to do the jobs as he worked in the day and was doing this on the side and that there are no such things as restrictions and they could work whenever they wanted.

I have absolutely no doubt that this guy is doing this on the side as neighbour is also a tradesmen and I'm sure it'll be mates rates etc.

Does this mean I have to listen to building works whenever it's light? We are usually out of the house by 8am and get back at 6pm so whatever happens between then, I don't care.

I absolutely do not want to have to listen to their banging, radio on and foul language for the rest of my summer. Not least because I have 2 small children.

If he is wrong, how do I approach it without causing any arguments? As I said up thread, the neighbour is a bit odd and so I want to tread carefully but not to the detriment of having peace and quiet!

I should add the builder said to just let him know if it's noisy etc but I don't want to be popping my head over every evening to ask them to pipe down!

Check out your local council's rules. There may be local regulations about when building works can take place.

There's nothing on there as I trawled there prior to posting. I've just fired them an email.

I'm guessing there'll be some restrictions surely? People can't be allowed to build until the sun goes down every night, because it suits them?

Our council definitely says you can't do building works Sundays, altho there were some scaffolders opposite who did exactly that.

Did they give you any indication how long it would be going on?

It's a whole detached house so I'm guessing it won't be a quick job??

They have just started the first skin of brick work so everything left to do...

In a similar situation, we phoned the number on a work van to complain and it turned out the bosss had no idea they were working on the side. Sounds like this might not work if he's the boss. Otherwise, speak to your Council's Environmental Health department and they should be able to help.

Well speaking to my neighbour went badly...he said that he didn't think working until 9pm was unreasonable in the summer, as my kids should be going to bed later when it's light anyway! Cheeky sod. I told him that they go to childcare in the summer holidays and are in bed by 7.30 as they are tired, especially in this heat, not that is any of his business anyway.

The builder said he'd never heard of these 'rules' and they basically all ganged up on me. Even the neighbours wife had her say and told me I was being ridiculous to object to it and she would never dream of asking me to keep it down if I was doing some DIY. I pointed out building a 3 bed house is a bit more than DIY!

So I'll have to get the council involved, which I was loathe to do as they are our neighbours but similarly, turning up at half 6 every evening and turning up at midday today is starting to piss me off royally.

My question is what will the council actually be able to do? Force them to comply with the hours? I'm sure he will go ballistic because he's been open with me and said he's doing it this way to save money.

Our council's rules are as you described. Check your council website and send a written letter to your neighbour saying they must work within those hours and if the works do not stop out of hours in 48 hours you will bring in the council. If that does not work call the Council who may come round to have a word.

IN theory if it is awful noise you could get an injunction to stop the noise nuisance. Do you know how long the works will be going on? You could also film them working after the 6pm cut off and make them very aware they are being watched and reported to the council.

Maybe its better if he gets it over with though?

Else you'll be listening to the noise for longer.

Jane, Ive made a quick note of times etc but may take a couple of pics, if that would help.

Chockbic, in theory I should only have to listen to it on a Saturday morning as he should be doing the works between 8-6 when we are out anyway. He's got 10hrs a day during the week he can utilise but he's actively employing people who start after 6pm and work until the light fades. His way allows for 3hrs working a day and so it will take 3 days to do the same work that could be achieved in one full day!

You really need to check with your local council. Out if I stress I have just checked mine and although the times for the weekend are as you have stated the weekday ones are longer.

What are the working hours with you EarthWindFire?

They were working 10-3 yesterday and started again at 6.15pm tonight so I've bitten the bullet and asked the chap at the council to get involved.

I'm nervous though, what happens if they start harassing me? The builder was already telling a passer by (who mentioned somebody further down had moaned about the noise) that it was ridiculous that I didn't expect him to work in the evenings and at the weekend. Eeeek. The neighbours partner looks mean and scary too!