Residents will get more protections from construction noise thanks to new measures proposed by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
H&F Council’s Cabinet agreed to consult on revised policies to protect residents against disturbance from nearby developments. The changes form part of wider revisions to the council’s local plan.
All new developments, particularly basement extensions and demolition works, would need to comply with stricter policies on noise and vibration - or risk being refused planning permission.
“This administration is committed to supporting new housing space in the borough, but also ensuring that local residents can get the peace and quiet they deserve,” said Cllr Andrew Jones, H&F Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration.
“These robust policies would ensure that there are proper measures in place to protect residents in buildings close to a construction sites from excess noise and other disturbances.”
The proposed policies would mean H&F Council will be better able to protect health and wellbeing of residents and will be part of a public consultation next month into the local plan revisions.
Under the plans, future developments will be assessed for sensitivity to ensure they are appropriate locations and that sufficient mitigation measures are in place. This is regardless of whether the proposal is a small, private development, or a large scale commercial build.
In particular, the changes will look to protect residents against disturbance from the building of basement extensions and lightwells, as well as larger construction and demolition works, including by utilities companies.
Some applicants may be expected to carry out assessments to demonstrate noise levels on site and any works likely to result in excessive noise disturbance for residents will not be permitted.
Following the public consultation, the new policies could be adopted by late 2017.
