Provisions of the construction code of practice for developers and contractors in Central Bedfordshire
Communications with residents and the community on timing and nature of works
Before beginning work on a construction site, the developer or contractor shall inform the local community and residents who may be affected, by letter, on site public notice, and via relevant websites, of the following: timetable for the main construction works and phasing (and subsequently any major changes to these); the proposed access to the site for plant and equipment; normal working hours for the site (see also below) and the name and telephone number of a contact in the contractor’s organisation who can respond to comments or complaints from the public or neighbours (this is in addition to the requirement to inform us of a site contact in all cases – see breaches of the code). We're willing to provide advice on the extent of consultation required.
Noise and hours of work including restricted hours of work for high impact activities e.g. drilling
Work should be planned to be carried out with due consideration to neighbours, nearby businesses, visitors, and the general public. Unless required otherwise by a planning condition, working hours on any construction site must be within the period 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, if required.
Please note: high impact activities, such as drilling and piling operations, should be 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday only and we should be notified in advance.
Work outside of hours
If for any reason it becomes necessary to carry out operations outside these hours (for example a large load requiring police escort to be transported at quiet times), the developer should seek our agreement and notify residents. This includes early deliveries, noisy work, late or weekend working, etc.
Safe working and site operations
The developer or contractor should ensure that all plant and equipment used on the site is well maintained, operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and industry good practice, suitably silenced or otherwise sited and operated in a way to minimise noise emissions and vibration. Similarly, the overall operation of the site such as the location and siting of equipment, the unloading of materials e.g. scaffolding should be managed to minimise noise.
Material storage
The contractor should ensure that materials and waste are well stowed and do not spill over into the surroundings. The site should be kept secure, especially during non-working hours.
Cleaning and prevention of dust, mud on roads, important site features and lighting
Industry best practice should be followed to minimise dust transfer to adjoining properties including sprinkling, screening and wheel wash facilities when necessary e.g. on larger sites and where earth is stockpiled, or chutes are used for rubble. Skips should be sheeted and sweeping and washing of adjoining highways and footpaths should be carried out regularly and adequately. Existing important on-site features such as trees and watercourses should be protected from harm in accordance with planning conditions.
Any lighting installed for construction purposes shall be sited to ensure there is no nuisance caused to nearby residential properties.
Vehicle movements, access, parking and site deliveries
The developer/contractor should ensure that site vehicle movements are carried out with care and consideration for the safety of those working there and neighbours, using appropriate warning signs and maintaining accesses, including footpaths, to and adjoining the site ensuring they are maintained in good condition and clear of construction materials and mud (with allowance for extreme weather events when this cannot be done). Any accidents or major incidents should be reported to our compliance officer:
Email: planning.compliance@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Contactor parking
Contractor parking should be provided on site if feasible. If this is not possible the contractor should notify us, as we may require traffic management measures e.g. on narrow roads. Arrangements for parking should be included in the advance details of the site works sent to residents and then monitored, taking account of special needs such as residents with sight, hearing or mobility difficulties.
Supplier and sub-contractor working hours
The developer/contractor should ensure that suppliers and sub-contractors are required to abide by the working hours of the site (see noise and hours of work, above) in terms of making deliveries. Where necessary, any departures should comply with work outside of hours, above.
Code of conduct
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