RICHMOND upon Thames Council are encouraging builders to keep the noise down, following hundreds of complaints they receive from residents.

The Considerate Contractor Scheme will aim to ensure building contractors are considerate of their neighbours. It proposes a Code of Practice - not enforced by law but the council would encourage developers to adhere to it - covering site safety, dust, noise and hours of working. Cllr David Marlow, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, said: "The Borough of Richmond has a buoyant property market and this inevitably brings some disruption and disturbance when sites are developed or refurbishment takes place.

"Each year we receive hundreds of complaints about building works and their impact on the environment, and we are determined to drastically reduce this problem. The scheme is currently in its draft stage, and we are inviting comments on it from contractors, builders and local residents before it is finally approved," he added.

Details of the proposals can be found on the Council’s website: www.richmond.gov.uk