From the series Living, Land & Law: Fortnight Insights – Article 5
What protection does the law offer to tenements whose neighbours cause noise disturbances during construction?
In terms of the Third Schedule of the Construction Management Site Regulations, Subsidiary Legislation 623.08, construction activity can be carried out between 7am to 8pm. It is unlawful to make use of a mechanical excavator with a hydraulic hammer at all times, and a pneumatic drill can only be used after 7:30am and till 4pm. Then, on Sundays and on public holidays no construction work can be carried out. Nonetheless, in cases of emergencies construction can be carried out at other times as long as the authority is informed of such in the first hour of the work.
Moreover, for there to be exemptions from the above restrictions, an approval from the Building and Construction Authority is required, which must set out a number of specific conditions applicable. This is the same for works in tourism zones which require the clearance of the competent authority responsible for tourism.
Nonetheless, if the nearest habitable space, next to the construction zone, exceeds 1 kilometre, the above rules are not applicable.
There is also a general provision in the same regulations, particularly in the Fourth Schedule, which states that construction sites must avoid unnecessary noise such as leaving noisy operating machine idle, or excessive revving of engines. Moreover, to minimise the noise and vibration levels, the equipment used should also have a functional exhaust or muffler system. Nonetheless, there is still no agreement on how loud or the noise levels which must be followed, during the allowed hours.
Moreover, if the noise is not being caused by construction works, but rather minor maintenance works the matter must be referred to the police, as it would not fall within the competence of the Building and Construction Authority.
Although there are no specific provisions in the law which govern noise from neighbours, nonetheless, there are two main Criminal Code provisions which have been invoked by the courts in noise-related disputes. Article 338(m) of the Criminal Code states that a person is found guilty of a contravention against public order if he disturbs inhabitants at night, since it would prevent people from having their rest. Whilst the above-mentioned article is linked to nighttime, Article 338(dd) of the Criminal Code has been invoked when there are noise complaints which do not arise at nighttime, constituting a breach of the peace. Nonetheless, it is up to the discretion of the court to determine whether the noise complained about was truly an absolute nuisance.
Our team of property law experts at Sciberras Advocates in Malta is here to assist with any property issues you may encounter. Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] for professional support.
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