In the UK, when a construction or demolition company wants permission from the local government to do work that might affect the community with noise, vibration, and air quality issues, you must apply for a Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974. This application explains what work is going to happen, when the site will be active, and how the applicant will attempt to mitigate problems associated with noise, vibration, and dust.
Why should I apply for a Section 61?
A Section 61 application demonstrates to the local authority your proactive approach to reducing environmental impact. It outlines the methods you will put in place to minimise disruption to the neighbourhood, with the aim of reducing the number of potential complaints. Having Section 61 consent in place minimises the likelihood of your work being stopped by the council, as a mitigation plan is already in place.
As a developer, you must apply for a Section 61 within 28 days before work begins. If you carry out any works prior to this date, except for any minor preparation, then a prior consent will not be issued.
Why is it important to inform the community about construction works?
When a developer notifies the local community, neighbours of the construction site are more likely to understand and accept any disruption because you’ve taken this key initiative. Part of building a positive relationship with the community is regularly updating them on planned events so they can organise their routines accordingly – whether that’s changing the routes they travel or deciding when they work from home.
What are the requirements for a Section 61 application?
To apply for Section 61, you need to include specific details, such as:
- Provide a clear map of the site showing where noise, vibration, and dust will be monitored.
- Include nearby roads and railways and highlight any nearby homes.
- Give the main contractor’s contact information, like their name, address, and telephone number.
- Clearly state what you plan to do e.g., the demolition of a car park.
- Describe how the work will be done, including phases, machinery, and methods.
- Specify when the site will be active, noting any exceptions.
- Show evidence of how you’ll handle noise, vibration, and dust, using measures like sound barriers or continuous monitors to reduce the impact on the environment.
How can I monitor noise, vibration, and dust (NVD) on my construction project?
Environmental monitoring services provide real-time tracking of various factors such as air quality, noise, and ground vibration, ensuring that these levels remain in set parameters that are established before construction begins. Environmental monitoring plays a pivotal role in both measuring and mitigating the consequence of environmental impact as well as protecting the surrounding communities.
To find out more about how environmental monitoring can ensure compliance with Section 61, visit murphygs.com/monitoring