Hackney's Noise Service has reported a significant increase in complaints related to construction noise over the past few years, according to its annual performance report for 2025. The report, presented to the Corporate Committee on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, indicates that construction noise complaints have risen in correlation with increased construction activity across the borough.
In 2025 alone, there were 415 such complaints, following 447 in 2024, 340 in 2023, and 320 in 2022. This trend shows an increase in complaints from 2022 onwards, reflecting a broader decade-long rise in construction activity and associated noise.
Noise Hotspots and Mitigation Measures
Construction noise complaints are not evenly distributed across the borough, with specific areas experiencing a disproportionately high number. In 2025, London Fields
recorded the highest number of commercial noise complaints, including construction, with 854 reports. This was followed by Hoxton East & Shoreditch
with 773 reports, and Stoke Newington
with 394 reports.
Residential noise complaints were most concentrated in Springfield
(1608 reports), Hackney Central
(1216 reports), and Haggerston
(1126 reports). These hotspots are visually represented in various charts within the report, illustrating the geographical distribution of noise issues.
Hackney Council is implementing measures to manage construction noise and reduce complaints. These include the use of Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, which mandates prior consent applications
and involves extensive negotiations and multiple site visits throughout various construction phases.
The introduction of a First Response Officer, who prioritises construction noise issues
has also contributed to a decrease in Section 60 notices.
Furthermore, Planning Enforcement takes appropriate action with developers that do not comply with the requirements of their planning permission.
These efforts aim to ensure that construction projects adhere to regulations and minimise disruption to residents.
Noise Service Operations
The Noise Service handles a variety of noise nuisances, categorising them into those from commercial operations and those from residential premises, with the latter being managed as anti-social behaviour. The service utilises the NoiseWorks
system, launched in January 2022, to manage noise reports efficiently and provide residents with access to case information.
The Corporate Committee noted the contents of the Noise Service's annual performance report, as detailed in the Corporate Committee Annual Performance Report of the Noise Service 2025.
