Guide
How do you tell residents about construction noise?
Section 61 · Updated
Short answer
The platform's guidance is to write to the people near the site before the works start, say what will happen and when, and give them a way to reach you. Sections 60 and 61 do not require it, but a council can attach any conditions to a consent, so it may ask for it (section 61(5)). The timings and the choice of who to write to are the platform's own, so check what your council expects.
What the Act says
Sections 60 and 61 do not require the person doing the works to write to residents. They deal with the council publishing notice. A council may publish notice of the requirements of a section 60 notice (section 60(2)), and, if it consents to an application, of the consent and the works it relates to (section 61(6)).
A council can attach “any conditions” to a consent (section 61(5)). Whether it asks you to tell residents is for the council to decide.
The Act does require the applicant to tell one person. If a consent is given and someone other than the applicant carries out the works, the applicant must take all reasonable steps to bring the consent to that person's notice, and failing to do so is an offence (section 61(10)).
What BS 5228-1 and councils say
BS 5228-1 says good relations with the people who live and work near a site are very important. It suggests keeping them informed of progress and dealing with complaints fairly and quickly, and says whoever carries out the work should appoint a responsible person to deal with the public (clause 4). It adds that people may accept higher noise if they know it will not last long, so the community should be told how long the works are likely to take (clause 6.3).
Some councils ask for it in their own codes. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's Code of Construction Practice, for example, requires the contractor to give neighbours information on the nature and duration of the work, and contact details for the site manager, before works begin. Its summary asks for at least two weeks' notice of the start of high or medium impact works (summary, October 2024). Check what your council asks for.
Who to write to
The platform ranks each property near the works as high, medium or low, by comparing its predicted noise level with the threshold. See How are construction noise levels predicted under BS 5228-1? The platform suggests letters for the high and medium properties, and none for the low ones.
When to write
The platform times the letters back from the works start date. Medium properties get three letters and high properties get four.
| Before the works start | Medium properties | High properties |
|---|---|---|
| 6 weeks | Yes | Yes |
| 4 weeks | Yes | Yes |
| 2 weeks | Yes | Yes |
| 1 week | No | Yes |
These timings are the platform's own choice, not the Act's. Check what your council expects.
What a letter should say
The platform checks a draft letter against a list of points. They are the platform's guidance on what a good letter covers:
- a subject line that names the works and the place;
- specific dates, and working times on the 24-hour clock;
- why the work is needed, or its benefit;
- what residents will notice, such as noise, plant, parking, access or lighting;
- the specific steps taken to reduce disturbance;
- two or more ways to get in touch;
- for night or weekend work, a contact that is answered whenever work is going on, and the legal or consent basis;
- an apology or thanks;
- plain English, with sentences averaging 20 words or fewer and a reading grade of 10 or below;
- 450 words or fewer;
- an offer of large print or other formats.
Say only what is true about the consent. If you have applied but not been given consent, say you have applied. Do not say you have a consent until you do. The platform's letter drafts do not say a consent has been granted unless you tell them it has.
The platform can draft a letter from a project's details. Check it and change it before it goes out.
Related guides
Start an application
The Section 61 platform prepares an application and the evidence behind it. You check it and send it to your council yourself. Start an application.
Sources
- Control of Pollution Act 1974, section 61: Prior consent for work on construction sites
- Control of Pollution Act 1974, section 60: Control of noise on construction sites
- BS 5228-1:2009+A1:2014, Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites, Part 1: Noise (British Standards Institution)A paid standard. These guides describe its method in words and copy none of its tables or limit values.
- Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Code of Construction Practice: summary (October 2024)One council's requirements, given as an example.
- The Section 61 platformWhere a guide describes what the platform does or suggests, it says so. Those are the platform's own choices, not law.
The legislation cited was read on legislation.gov.uk on 26 October 2026.
This is guidance, not legal advice. Check with the council.