Section 60 notice

A section 60 notice is served by a local authority under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 to control noise and working hours from construction and demolition sites, including drainage and excavation works in Greater London. The notice sets out permissible hours, decibel limits at the boundary of nearby premises and acceptable methods of work. Drainage contractors often encounter section 60 notices on town centre and residential street projects, particularly where deep excavation or rock breaking is involved. Practical implications include the need to plan works within agreed hours, use silenced plant and provide advance notice to neighbours. Where a contractor wishes to obtain certainty before starting, an equivalent section 61 consent can be applied for. The formal references are sections 60 and 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, enforced by the relevant London borough environmental health team.