Construction in 2025: As the push to build begins, the noise regulations to consider
Another new year is here, with numerous high profile construction projects set to transform UK communities across 2025.
But while the new year brings with it opportunities for growth, there is one thing that remains a constant – and that’s the threat nuisance noise poses to construction companies.
Here, we take a look at the main noise legislation every contractor should be adhering to – and how Echo Barrier can help you stay on the right side of the law.
Noise pollution laws in 2025
One of the main pieces of legislation you need to be aware of is the Control of Pollution Act 1974.
The act grants numerous powers to local authorities to protect the environment from pollutants including noise and dust.
For construction firms, this can see restrictions imposed should their work be deemed a nuisance. This can include anything from restrictions on working hours to when and where certain pieces of machinery can be used.
Failure to comply can lead to prosecution, resulting in hefty fines as high as £20,000 – or even a total shutdown of operations.
Another piece of legislation to consider is The Control of Noise at Work Regulations (CNAWR) 2005. This is designed to protect workers from dangerous levels of noise which pose a serious risk to physical and mental health.
A series of different exposure limits – maxing out at a daily average noise level of 87dB(A) – are set under the legislation, which can be enforced at any time following inspection by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Fines businesses have faced for failing to adhere to the legislation have reached well into the tens of thousands of pounds.
There’s also the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which grants powers to local authorities to crack down on noise that poses a “statutory nuisance”.
This can include noise emitted by a vehicle, machinery or equipment during construction works – and lead to mounting fines, depending on the number of complaints received.
In the case of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, contractors are required to use “best practice means” to prevent nuisance noise – which is where Echo Barrier comes in.
How Echo Barrier can help
If one thing is for sure this year, it’s that Echo Barrier will be here to protect our clients from potentially catastrophic complaints and fines thanks to our range of noise abatement products.
That includes our world-leading H-Series™, which can reduce sound energy during construction works by as much as 99%.
Each panel is designed to be easily installed on existing site fencing by just one worker – and can be taken down and stored away just as quickly.
Like all Echo Barrier’s products, all items in our H-Series™ are lightweight, weatherproof, durable and fire-resistant to BS7837:1996.
Click here to discover the full range or contact us today to discuss a quote.