We have prepared the code of practice for construction sites to enable developers and contractors working within the Borough to understand what standards should normally be adopted when undertaking the following types of building works:

1. Demolition
2. Site clearance and preparation
3. Construction
4. Maintenance and repair

It is the responsibility of the main contractor to ensure that all sub-contractors and site personnel are aware of and comply with the requirements of the code.

Legal Framework

Whilst compliance with the code of practice is voluntary it should avoid the need for enforcement action using statutory notices. However, where the code of practice has been incorporated into a planning consent as part of a legal agreement, failure to comply with its requirements could result in enforcement action under the planning acts.

Community Relations

Previous experience of major construction works within the Borough has clearly demonstrated the benefit of warning residents and commercial operators in advance of the disruption that may arise. We are therefore anxious to ensure that contractors who are intending to undertake construction works:

1. Establish a local point of contact for any enquiries and/or complaints relating to the construction works
2. Nominate a member of staff who will liaise (as necessary) with us, residents and commercial operators
3. Circulate a regular newsletter (e.g. quarterly) explaining the forthcoming programme of works, progress so far and key events scheduled in the next phase of works

In addition the main contractor should display at a prominent position on the site boundary details of his name, address and telephone number, together with an indication of the likely duration of works.

Hours of Working

We consider that the following working hours should apply when there are sensitive receptors (e.g. school, hospital, residential property) adjacent to the site.

8am-6pm Monday-Friday

8am-1pm Saturday

Unless agreed in advance with us no working should be undertaken on Sunday or Public/Bank Holiday.

Construction works outside these hours may be undertaken in the event of an emergency or to facilitate a safe working environment (e.g. during the possession of a railway or temporary closure of a highway).

We also acknowledge that some activities may be undertaken on site without causing disturbance to neighbours (e.g. electrical rewiring) and therefore may be scheduled outside the normal working hours. Prior warning of such works should be given to our Environmental Protection Team.

Temporary Hoardings

Construction sites should be fully enclosed to protect the general public and deter unauthorised entry. As a general guide site hoarding should be plywood faced on a timber frame with a minimum mass per unit surface area of 7kg/m2. The minimum height above pavement level should be 2.4 metres.

Temporary hoarding should not be used for advertising. However, it may be used to display details of the site including project name and duration, name, address and telephone number of the main contractor and/or site agent. On key sites the opportunity for public art and community involvement should be explored withus. The provision of viewing points for the public through the hoardings should be considered.

Note that permission to erect a temporary hoarding on the public highway will require a licence in accordance with Section 172 of the Highways Act 1980.

Access Gates, Scaffolding and Gantries

Access to and from the site should be organised to allow vehicles to enter and leave the site in a forward gear. When necessary a gate marshal should be employed to ensure the safety of pedestrians using adjacent public footpaths.

Scaffolding and gantries that encroach onto or overhang the public highway will require our approval.

Artificial Lighting

The main contractor should ensure that any artificial lighting of the site and its perimeter is sufficient to ensure the safety of pedestrians. In addition artificial lighting should be located and orientated so that it does not cause intrusion to adjacent residential property or distract passing motorists.

Highway Management

Where reasonably practicable all loading and unloading of contractors’ vehicles should be within the site boundary. Deliveries and collections should be scheduled to coincide with the normal working hours. When it is necessary for a delivery and/or collection to be organised in consultation with the Police normal working hours may be relaxed and our Environmental Protection Team should be advised in advance.

Contractors should avoid parking vehicles on the public highway and vehicle movements should be staggered to avoid queuing outside the site access point.

Any damage to the pavement, kerbs or carriageways that is directly attributable to the site works should be repaired to the satisfaction of us as soon as practicable.

When it is not reasonably practicable to load and unload contractors’ vehicles on site it may be necessary to discuss alternative arrangements with our Highway Management Unit.

Mud on the Roads

Hard-standings or equivalent compacted areas should be provided on site for vehicle parking and adjacent to access points. A wheel washing facility should be provided to minimise the deposit of mud onto public highways. These facilities will generally be subject to the approval of the Local Planning Authority. When necessary a mechanical road sweeper should be provided and used to remove any excess deposits.

Sand Blasting

Special precautions are necessary when undertaking sand blasting and work areas should be totally enclosed to minimise dust emissions. If there are sensitive receptors (e.g. school, hospital or residential property) in close proximity to this activity our Environmental Protection Team should be advised in advance.

See also Environmental Controls to Protect the Environment.