Building Sites Across Harborough Could Operate Until 9pm

Work could continue until 9pm on building sites across Harborough, if construction firms are given permission.

The Government has issued new guidance to encourage safer working on sites where social distancing might be difficult during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Harborough Council says longer hours can be considered in circumstances where there are no residential properties nearby and it will consider requests to extend hours Monday to Saturday.

Currently work has to stop at 6pm on weekdays and until 1pm on Saturdays.

Cllr Jonathan Bateman, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead for regulatory services, said: “We understand the Government’s need to progress housing, and other projects, which have been set back due to the coronavirus pandemic; and in light of this direction from Government we will work closely with developers which make requests to extend construction hours.

“We also understand the need for workers’ safety and will work with developers as required. That said; residents should be assured that developers will need to comply with agreed conditions, as well as put forward plans on how they will minimise disruption, and that any concerns raised will be fully addressed.”