Construction activities include:

• demolition
• site preparation  
• building
• extensions and structural alterations.

Construction noise depends on the type of construction activity and the stage of works. Site clearing and preparation uses noisier equipment, such as concrete breaking. Electrical works, internal fit-out and painting are quieter.

Construction noise can be short-term or intermittent noise, as well as noise over longer periods.

If you are being impacted by construction noise, you can report it.

Can’t find what you’re looking for under construction noise? See also, Roadworks and major infrastructure noise.

Unreasonable noise from construction

EPA has published the unreasonable noise guidelines. The guidelines explain the concept of unreasonable noise and the pathways for assessing if construction noise is unreasonable. They also cover how unreasonable noise works with the general environmental duty and provide case study examples of compliance, enforcement and resolution of noise pollution events.