CoPA Section 61 prior consent
The Control of Pollution Act 1974 (CoPA) gives us powers to control noise and vibration from construction sites and other works. Section 61 allows contractors to apply for Prior Consent and agree working hours, site noise levels and other measures prior to work starting (it is not a legal requirement to have consent in place, but it is necessary to ensure Best Practicable Means are implemented). Where Section 61 prior consent has not been agreed, Section 60 allows the Council to serve a notice of its requirements for the control of site noise at any point during the works.
In all cases the notice can:
- specify the plant or machinery that is or is not to be used
- specify the hours during which the construction work can be carried out
- specify the level of noise and vibration that can be emitted from the site during specified hours
- allow for any change of circumstances
When to apply
Please complete a CoPA Section 61 application form at least 28 days before works start if you plan to carry out noisy construction works outside of normal working hours. This will allow us to consider whether works are acceptable or not with respect to protecting any nearby residents or other noise sensitive stakeholders who could be impacted by noise and vibration. You will need to make an application in accordance with this guidance note that you can download. Please email completed application forms to contact@manchester.gov.uk.
Highways
If the proposed works are on or are next to the highway then you should already have permission from our Highways Department (guidelines for working hours in this instance are different to construction normal working hours). Find out more about what is required for different highways permits.