When we determine a planning application, we must consider the potential impacts of a scheme during its construction.
A Construction Method Statement details how works on a development will be undertaken during the construction phase to prevent harm resulting from the scheme. What details a method statement contains will vary from scheme to scheme, and from site to site. A scheme in a residential area may need to consider measures to prevent disturbance as the result of noise, dust and vehicles. A scheme next to a watercourse would need to consider potential sources of pollution, and measures which may need to be put in place.
When do I need to provide a Construction Method Statement?
You will need to provide construction method statement before we can validate your application if:
- Your development proposes the demolition of an existing building
- Your development would be within, or would affect, an area which is designated for ecological interest
- Your development proposes works within, on the edge of, or on a site which drains to a watercourse or lake
The relevant ecological designations are:
- Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
- County Wildlife Sites
- Ramsar Sites
- Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS)
- Limestone Pavement Areas
We will sometimes require that a method statement is provided if an application site lies outside one of these areas, but we would direct that information is provided either during the application process, or by a condition.
What information should my Construction Method Statement include?
The content of a method statement will vary from site to site depending on the nature of the development, and the circumstances of the application site.
Examples of the details a construction method statement may need to include:
- Timing/schedule of works
- Details of hours of working
- Sediment control measures
- Pollution control measures
- Parking areas for the vehicles of site operatives and visitors
- Areas for the loading and unloading of plant and materials
- Areas for the storage of plant and materials used in constructing the development
- Details of the erection and maintenance of security hoarding
- Provision of wheel washing facilities
- Measures to control the emission of dust and dirt during construction
- A scheme for recycling/disposing of waste resulting from demolition and construction works
- Access and haul routes for construction vehicles, deliveries, waste vehicles, etc
Tips for a Construction Method Statement
- Write it for the application, don’t copy it from somewhere else
- Talk to the right people as soon as you can - for example you may need to produce the method statement in association with your preferred contractor , the Environment Agency or Natural England to make sure that it is workable, and will be followed
- Use accurate and informative illustrations, photographs, drawings, maps and plans
- Start the statement when you start to develop your scheme, and use it to influence the design
