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Construction environmental management plan template

A construction environmental management plan (CEMP) you write and keep on a phone or tablet. Record the planning condition, the site and the people and places nearby that the works could affect, the contacts and working hours, then each environmental aspect in turn: dust, noise and vibration, water and pollution prevention, waste, ecology and trees, lighting, traffic and deliveries, contamination, and complaints. Each has its activities, controls, monitoring and a responsible person. Then check the site against the plan, dated, with photos and actions. For a one-off environmental walk-round, use the environmental site inspection checklist.

For site managers, environmental leads and developers who need a CEMP for a planning condition, and who want to show the site is working to it.

Written for the UK, with notes citing the law of England (and Wales where it applies). Scotland, Northern Ireland and other countries have their own planning and environmental rules.

The planning condition, its wording and the plan's status: draft, submitted or approved
Receptors near the site: homes, schools, watercourses, trees and habitat, with distances
Eight environmental aspects, each with activities, controls, monitoring, a responsible person and a response
Dated site checks against the plan with photos, complaints, actions and sign-off

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What is a construction environmental management plan?

A CEMP is useful when it answers the planning condition point by point and then gets used on site. Name the receptors with distances, give each control a responsible person and a check, and record dated site checks against the plan with photos, so a complaint or a council visit can be answered from the record.

Last updated 27 October 2026. Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against GOV.UK planning practice guidance, use of planning conditions, Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 79, statutory nuisances, Control of Pollution Act 1974, section 60, control of noise on construction sites, Control of Pollution Act 1974, section 61, prior consent for work on construction sites, GOV.UK, pollution prevention for businesses (Defra and Environment Agency) and Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 34, duty of care for waste.

How to write a CEMP

Start with the decision notice. The condition that asks for a CEMP lists what it must cover, and the local planning authority may publish its own guidance.

Record the condition
Enter the planning reference, the condition number and its wording, the local planning authority and the plan revision. Track whether the plan is a draft, submitted or approved.
Describe the site and receptors
Describe the works, phases and programme. List the receptors: the nearest homes, schools, watercourses, retained trees and habitat, with the distance from the boundary and what could affect them.
Set roles, contacts and hours
Name the site manager, environmental lead and community contact, the contact for the public, and the working and delivery hours with where they come from.
Plan each aspect
For dust, noise and vibration, water, waste, ecology and lighting, traffic and contamination, choose the activities that cause it, the controls and the monitoring, add the site-specific detail, and name who is responsible and what happens if a control fails.
Check the site against it
Add a dated check each time: ten checks from dust to complaints, a reason for anything that needs action, complaints received and photos. Give each action a priority, an owner and a date, and sign.

What makes a CEMP useful

Each aspect's controls, monitoring and responsible person

40 homes on the edge of a market town, brook on the south boundary. Water: silt fence with a 10 m stand-off, attenuation basin used as a settlement lagoon, filter bags in the gate gullies, checked daily by the groundworks foreman. Check on 19 October: wheel wash pump failed, mud on the road and silty run-off into a gully, both photographed. Road swept and bag refitted the same day.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Copying a generic CEMP that does not match the condition's own list, or writing one for the planning officer and never checking the site against it.

What happens next

Send the plan to the local planning authority as the condition asks, keep the approved revision on site, and add a dated check each week or after any complaint.

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Every question in the construction environmental management plan template

A construction environmental management plan (CEMP) for a building site: planning condition and contacts, receptors, working hours, then dust, noise and vibration, water and pollution prevention, waste, ecology and trees, lighting, traffic, contamination and complaints, each with controls, monitoring and a responsible person, plus dated site compliance checks with photos, actions and sign-off. 13 sections and 188 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

Make it your own: every question is editable

This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

Project: the project name
Site address: the site address, from the space or the project
Developer or client: the project's customer

Plan details

ProjectShort answer
Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.
Fills in from the project name
Site addressShort answer
Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
Developer or clientShort answer
Fills in from the project's customer
Location (GPS)Short answer
Plan date*Date
Prepared by*Short answer
Where is the site?*Choose one
Sets which legal notes you see. The notes cite the law of England (and Wales where it applies).
- England
- Wales
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
- Outside the UK
Local planning authorityShort answer
Planning permission referenceShort answer
Condition number(s) asking for this planShort answer
For example condition 9 (construction environmental management plan).
What the condition asks the plan to coverNotes
Copy the list from the decision notice, so each point can be matched to a section of this plan.
Plan revisionShort answer
Plan status*Choose one
- Draft
- Submitted to the local planning authority
- Approved by the local planning authority
- Revised after approval: resubmit if the condition requires
- Not tied to a planning condition
Date submittedDate
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
Date approvedDate
Shown when “Plan status” is “Approved by the local planning authority”
Approval or discharge referenceShort answer
Shown when “Plan status” is “Approved by the local planning authority”
CheckThis is a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and a record of the site checks against it. What a CEMP must contain is set by the planning condition that asks for it and by the local planning authority. Read the condition and any guidance from the authority first, and cover every point it lists. Completing this form does not discharge a condition: only the local planning authority can approve details submitted under a condition.
GuidanceEngland. Requests for approval of details required by a condition are made to the local planning authority in writing. The authority must give its decision within 8 weeks from the day after it receives the request, or a longer period agreed in writing (planning practice guidance, use of planning conditions, paragraphs 032 and 034). Check whether the condition must be met before work starts.
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
CheckOutside the UK, environmental controls on construction sites are set by that country's own planning and environmental law. Use this form for the structure, and take the rules from your local authority.
Shown when “Where is the site?” is “Outside the UK”
CheckWales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own planning systems and regulators. The legal notes in this form cite the law of England, and of Wales where it extends there; check the rules for your nation.
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Project, site and receptors

Description of the works*Notes
What is being built, for example 40 homes with roads, drainage and open space.
Expected start on siteDate
Expected completionDate
Programme (weeks)Worked out by the form
Shown when “Expected start on site” is answered and “Expected completion” is answered
Main phasesNotes
For example site clearance, groundworks and drainage, superstructure, roads and landscaping.
Site area (hectares)Number
Site layout or logistics plan referenceShort answer
Show the compound, access, haul roads, wheel wash, storage, stockpiles, skips and drains.
Site settingNotes
Land around the site, existing use, ground conditions known from surveys.
Receptors near the site
Repeat for each receptor. Each one asks:
- Receptor*Short answer
  For example the houses on Mill Lane, Brook Farm stream, the primary school.
- TypeChoose one
  - Homes
  - School, nursery or care home
  - Hospital or surgery
  - Businesses
  - Watercourse, pond or drain
  - Protected or retained trees
  - Habitat or protected species
  - Public road or footpath
  - Heritage asset
  - Other
- Distance from the site boundary (m)Number
  From the site plan or measured on site.
- Direction from the siteShort answer
  For example north-east, across the access road.
- Could be affected byTick all that apply
  - Dust
  - Noise
  - Vibration
  - Water pollution
  - Lighting
  - Traffic
  - Loss of habitat
- Position (GPS)Short answer
- Photo of the receptor from the sitePhotos
Receptors listedWorked out by the form
Homes, schools, care homes and hospitals listedWorked out by the form

Roles, contacts and working hours

Principal contractorShort answer
Contact for the public, including out of hoursShort answer
The number shown on the site board.
Roles and contacts
Repeat for each contact. Each one asks:
- Role*Choose one
  - Site manager
  - Environmental lead or adviser
  - Community liaison contact
  - Developer or client
  - Local planning authority officer
  - Environmental health officer
  - Ecologist
  - Arboriculturist
  - Logistics or traffic lead
  - Other
- Name*Short answer
- OrganisationShort answer
- PhoneShort answer
- EmailShort answer
Working hours Monday to Friday: startTime
Monday to Friday: finishTime
Saturday workingShort answer
For example 08:00 to 13:00, or no working.
Sundays and bank holidaysShort answer
Delivery hours, if differentShort answer
Where the hours come fromChoose one
- Planning condition
- Section 61 consent
- Section 60 notice
- Contractor's own limits
- Other
Work outside these hours and how it is agreedNotes
For example concrete pours that overrun, abnormal loads, emergencies.
Prior consent for noise (Control of Pollution Act 1974, section 61)Choose one
- Applied for
- Granted
- Not applied for
- Not applicable
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
Consent reference and conditionsShort answer
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Dust and air quality

Does this aspect apply?*Choose one
- Applies to this site
- Not relevant to this site
Why it is not relevantNotes
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Not relevant to this site”
Activities on this job that cause itTick all that apply
- Demolition
- Site clearance and earthworks
- Haul roads and vehicle movements
- Stockpiles
- Cutting, grinding or drilling
- Crushing or screening
- Bulk material deliveries
- Exhaust from plant and generators
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Control measuresTick all that apply
- Damping down with water
- Wheel wash at the exit
- Road sweeper on the public road
- Hard-surfaced or maintained haul roads
- Site speed limit
- Stockpiles covered, seeded or kept low
- Water suppression or extraction on cutting tools
- Loads sheeted
- Engines off when not in use
- Hoarding or screens at the boundary
- No burning on site
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Site-specific detail of the controlsNotes
Where, what equipment, and anything the planning condition asks for in its own words.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Monitoring and checksTick all that apply
- Daily visual dust check at the boundary
- Dust deposition or particulate monitoring
- Public road checked for mud and dust
- Wheel wash checked working
- Complaints log reviewed
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
How often it is checkedShort answer
As the condition, consent or your own procedure sets it, for example daily walk-round, weekly record.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Responsible personShort answer
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
What happens if a control fails or there is a complaintNotes
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
GuidanceStatutory nuisance (England and Wales). Dust arising on business premises that is prejudicial to health or a nuisance is a statutory nuisance (Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 79(1)(d)). If the local authority is satisfied a statutory nuisance exists or is likely to occur or recur, it serves an abatement notice (section 80).
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
dust_onWorked out by the form

Noise and vibration

Does this aspect apply?*Choose one
- Applies to this site
- Not relevant to this site
Why it is not relevantNotes
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Not relevant to this site”
Noise or vibration limits that apply, and where they come fromShort answer
From the planning condition, a section 60 notice or section 61 consent. Leave blank if none are set.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Activities on this job that cause itTick all that apply
- Piling
- Breaking or demolition
- Excavators and dumpers
- Compaction and vibratory rollers
- Concrete pumps and pours
- Generators and compressors
- Cutting and power tools
- Deliveries and reversing alarms
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Control measuresTick all that apply
- Working hours kept
- Quieter methods chosen (for example bored or pressed-in piles)
- Plant maintained, silencers and covers closed
- Engines off when not in use
- Static plant away from homes or screened
- Acoustic screens or hoarding
- Broadband or white-noise reversing alarms
- Neighbours told before noisy work
- No radios on site
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Site-specific detail of the controlsNotes
Where, what equipment, and anything the planning condition asks for in its own words.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Monitoring and checksTick all that apply
- Noise monitoring at agreed points
- Vibration monitoring at agreed points
- Pre-condition survey of nearby buildings
- Daily check that hours are kept
- Complaints log reviewed
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
How often it is checkedShort answer
As the condition, consent or your own procedure sets it, for example daily walk-round, weekly record.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Responsible personShort answer
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
What happens if a control fails or there is a complaintNotes
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
GuidanceNoise on construction sites. The local authority can serve a notice saying how the works are to be carried out, which may set the plant or machinery, the hours of work and the level of noise (Control of Pollution Act 1974, section 60). You can instead apply for prior consent, giving the works, the method and the steps to keep noise down; the authority must decide within 28 days (section 61). In England, BS 5228-1 (noise) and BS 5228-2 (vibration) are the approved codes of practice (SI 2015/227).
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
noise_onWorked out by the form

Water, drainage and pollution prevention

Does this aspect apply?*Choose one
- Applies to this site
- Not relevant to this site
Why it is not relevantNotes
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Not relevant to this site”
Activities on this job that cause itTick all that apply
- Surface water run-off from bare ground
- Pumping water out of excavations
- Concrete washout
- Fuel and oil storage and refuelling
- Wheel washing
- Work near a watercourse or pond
- Temporary drainage connections
- Chemicals, paints and solvents
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Control measuresTick all that apply
- Drain plan for the site
- Surface water drains and gullies protected
- Cut-off ditches or covers to keep water out of excavations
- Pumped water to a settlement tank or lagoon
- Concrete washout in a lined area
- Fuel in a bunded tank, refuelling in a set area with a drip tray
- Spill kits at fuel points and plant
- Stockpiles away from drains and watercourses, and covered
- Silt fences or straw bales
- Discharge consent or permit, where needed
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Site-specific detail of the controlsNotes
Where, what equipment, and anything the planning condition asks for in its own words.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Monitoring and checksTick all that apply
- Daily check of drains, gullies and outfalls
- Settlement tank and silt fence checks
- Spill kit stock checked
- Watercourse checked for silt upstream and downstream
- Water sampling, where the condition asks for it
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
How often it is checkedShort answer
As the condition, consent or your own procedure sets it, for example daily walk-round, weekly record.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Responsible personShort answer
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
What happens if a control fails or there is a complaintNotes
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Where the site drains toShort answer
For example surface water sewer to Mill Brook; foul to the water company sewer.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
GuidancePollution prevention (GOV.UK guidance for England). You must not cause or allow pollution. Surface water drains discharge directly to the environment. On construction sites, keep water out of excavations, collect contaminated water (such as water pumped from excavations) where it can be treated, for example in a settlement tank, keep concrete and fuel work in areas that catch spills, and protect stockpiles from being washed away. If polluting material has entered or could enter a watercourse or soak into the ground, call the Environment Agency pollution incident hotline straight away. You need Environment Agency permission before working in, over or near a main river.
Shown when “Where is the site?” is “England” and “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
water_onWorked out by the form

Waste

Does this aspect apply?*Choose one
- Applies to this site
- Not relevant to this site
Why it is not relevantNotes
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Not relevant to this site”
Activities on this job that cause itTick all that apply
- Demolition arisings
- Excavated soil
- Packaging
- Offcuts of timber, plasterboard, metal and plastic
- Hazardous waste (oils, paints, asbestos)
- Welfare waste
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Control measuresTick all that apply
- Waste reduced and reused on site first
- Segregated skips, labelled
- Skips covered or netted
- Hazardous waste stored apart and secure
- Registered waste carrier checked
- Waste transfer note for each load
- Soil reuse plan or materials management plan
- Site kept tidy, no wind-blown litter
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Site-specific detail of the controlsNotes
Where, what equipment, and anything the planning condition asks for in its own words.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Monitoring and checksTick all that apply
- Skip and storage area checked
- Waste transfer notes filed
- Carrier registrations checked
- Waste quantities recorded
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
How often it is checkedShort answer
As the condition, consent or your own procedure sets it, for example daily walk-round, weekly record.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Responsible personShort answer
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
What happens if a control fails or there is a complaintNotes
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Waste carrier and registration numberShort answer
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
GuidanceDuty of care (England and Wales). Anyone who produces, carries, keeps or disposes of controlled waste must take reasonable steps to stop it escaping and, when handing it on, make sure it goes only to an authorised person with a written description of the waste (Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 34). GOV.UK says to complete a waste transfer note for each load that leaves the site, check the carrier is registered, and keep the note for 2 years.
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
waste_onWorked out by the form

Ecology, trees and lighting

Does this aspect apply?*Choose one
- Applies to this site
- Not relevant to this site
Why it is not relevantNotes
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Not relevant to this site”
Ecology and tree reports this plan followsShort answer
For example the ecological appraisal and the arboricultural method statement, with their references.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Activities on this job that cause itTick all that apply
- Vegetation and hedgerow clearance
- Tree felling or pruning
- Work near retained trees
- Work near ponds, watercourses or habitat
- Night work or lighting
- Demolition of buildings that may hold bats or birds
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Control measuresTick all that apply
- Tree protection fencing to the arboricultural plan
- No storage, fires or traffic in root protection areas
- Clearance outside the bird nesting season, or a nest check first
- Ecologist on site for set tasks
- Exclusion fencing for protected species
- Ramps or covers on excavations left open overnight
- Lighting kept off habitat and boundary hedges
- Invasive plants marked and controlled
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Site-specific detail of the controlsNotes
Where, what equipment, and anything the planning condition asks for in its own words.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Monitoring and checksTick all that apply
- Tree protection fencing checked
- Ecologist visits recorded
- Nest checks recorded before clearance
- Lighting direction checked
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
How often it is checkedShort answer
As the condition, consent or your own procedure sets it, for example daily walk-round, weekly record.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Responsible personShort answer
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
What happens if a control fails or there is a complaintNotes
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
GuidanceNesting birds (England and Wales). It is an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, section 1).
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
ecology_onWorked out by the form
Is temporary site lighting used?*Choose one
- Yes
- No
Lighting controlsTick all that apply
- Lights pointed down and into the site
- Hoods or shields fitted
- Lights off outside working hours, apart from security
- Security lights on sensors
- Kept away from homes and habitat
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Is temporary site lighting used?” is “Yes”
GuidanceStatutory nuisance (England and Wales). Artificial light emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance is a statutory nuisance (Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 79(1)(fb)).
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
lighting_onWorked out by the form

Traffic and deliveries

Does this aspect apply?*Choose one
- Applies to this site
- Not relevant to this site
Why it is not relevantNotes
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Not relevant to this site”
Activities on this job that cause itTick all that apply
- HGV deliveries
- Concrete wagons
- Muck-away lorries
- Staff and contractor parking
- Abnormal loads or cranes
- Work on or next to the public road
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Control measuresTick all that apply
- Agreed routes for site traffic
- Delivery booking system
- Delivery times outside school run and peak hours
- Banksman at the gate
- Holding area so lorries do not wait on the road
- Wheel wash at the exit
- Road sweeper available
- Parking for staff on site
- Signs at the site entrance
- Pedestrian route past the site kept open
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Site-specific detail of the controlsNotes
Where, what equipment, and anything the planning condition asks for in its own words.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Monitoring and checksTick all that apply
- Gate log of deliveries
- Public road checked for mud
- Parking on nearby streets checked
- Complaints log reviewed
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
How often it is checkedShort answer
As the condition, consent or your own procedure sets it, for example daily walk-round, weekly record.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Responsible personShort answer
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
What happens if a control fails or there is a complaintNotes
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Route for site trafficShort answer
For example A-road to the site entrance on Station Road, no HGVs through the village centre.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Traffic management plan referenceShort answer
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
traffic_onWorked out by the form

Land contamination

Does this aspect apply?*Choose one
- Applies to this site
- Not relevant to this site
Why it is not relevantNotes
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Not relevant to this site”
Ground investigation and remediation reportsShort answer
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Activities on this job that cause itTick all that apply
- Known contamination from the ground investigation
- Made ground or fill
- Old tanks, drains or buried services
- Asbestos in ground or buildings
- Imported soil
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Control measuresTick all that apply
- Remediation strategy followed
- Unexpected contamination procedure: stop, fence off, tell the client and consultant
- Contaminated soil stockpiled apart, on and under sheeting
- Imported soil tested and certified before use
- Verification records kept
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Site-specific detail of the controlsNotes
Where, what equipment, and anything the planning condition asks for in its own words.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Monitoring and checksTick all that apply
- Excavations watched for odours, staining or buried material
- Stockpiles checked
- Import certificates checked
- Verification sampling, where the condition asks for it
- Other (describe)
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
How often it is checkedShort answer
As the condition, consent or your own procedure sets it, for example daily walk-round, weekly record.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
Responsible personShort answer
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
What happens if a control fails or there is a complaintNotes
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
CheckIf the planning permission has a condition on unexpected contamination, follow its wording: it usually sets who must be told and what must be agreed before work restarts in that area.
Shown when “Does this aspect apply?” is “Applies to this site”
contamination_onWorked out by the form

Community liaison and complaints

How neighbours are kept informedTick all that apply
- Letter drop before work starts
- Letter or notice before noisy or disruptive work
- Site board with contact details
- Website or newsletter
- Meetings with residents or the parish council
- Considerate contractor scheme
- Other (describe)
How a complaint is handled*Notes
Who takes it, how it is logged, who investigates, how and when the complainant hears back.
Target time to respond to a complaintShort answer
Your own target, or as the condition sets.
Where the complaints log is keptShort answer
GuidanceEngland and Wales. When someone living in its area complains of a statutory nuisance, such as noise, dust or light, the local authority must take reasonably practicable steps to investigate (Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 79(1)).
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
When this plan is reviewedNotes
For example at each new phase, after a complaint or incident, or if the condition changes.

Site compliance checks

GuidanceAdd a check each time the site is checked against this plan. Each one is dated, with photos of anything that needs action.
Compliance checks
Repeat for each check. Each one asks:
- Type of check*Choose one
  - Routine check
  - Daily walk-round
  - After a complaint
  - After an incident or spill
  - Start of a new phase
  - Visit by the local authority or regulator
- Check date*Date
- Checked by*Short answer
- WeatherShort answer
  For example dry and windy, heavy rain overnight.
- Dust: controls in place and workingChoose one
  Damping down, covers, cutting with water or extraction, no visible dust leaving the site.
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Noise and vibration: hours kept, controls in placeChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Water: drains protected, run-off and pumped water controlledChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Fuel, oil and chemicals stored and used safely, spill kits stockedChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Waste: segregated, skips covered, transfer notes heldChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Ecology and trees: protection fencing intact, exclusion zones keptChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Traffic: routes, delivery times and banksman, public road cleanChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Lighting: pointed away from homes and habitatChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Contamination: nothing unexpected found, or reported and fenced offChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Community: site board up to date, complaints logged and answeredChoose one
  - Acceptable
  - Action needed
  - Not checked
  - Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Complaints received since the last checkNumber
- Complaints: who, what and the responseNotes
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Photos of findingsPhotos
- Walk-round of the siteWalk Cam video with voice-to-text
  Optional. Film a guided walk-round on the SiteSurvey app.
- Other notesNotes
- cc_issuesWorked out by the form
- cc_not_checkedWorked out by the form
- Result of this checkWorked out by the form
Checks recordedWorked out by the form
Items needing actionWorked out by the form
Checks with something to fixWorked out by the form
Complaints recordedWorked out by the form
Environmental aspects that applyWorked out by the form

Result, actions and sign-off

Items needing actionWorked out by the form
ResultWorked out by the form
Actions
Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
- Action*Notes
- PriorityChoose one
  - Urgent: same day
  - Within a week
  - Before the next phase
  - Before completion
- Who will do it*Short answer
- Due byDate
- Status*Choose one
  - Open
  - In progress
  - Done, checked
- Photo when donePhotos
  Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
Actions still openWorked out by the form
Decision*Choose one
- Site working to the plan
- Working to the plan once the listed actions are done
- Not working to the plan: tell the client and review
Next check or re-inspection dateDate
Changes needed to the planNotes
If the plan was approved under a condition, check with the local planning authority whether a change needs approval.
Summary for the clientNotes
Plan author or site manager nameShort answer
Plan author or site manager signature*Signature
Principal contractor or client nameShort answer
Principal contractor or client signatureSignature

See it filled in

A completed construction environmental management plan report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

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Construction environmental management plan FAQs

Will this form discharge my planning condition?

No. Only the local planning authority can approve details submitted under a condition. The content of a CEMP is set by the condition's wording and by the authority, so read the condition first and cover every point it lists. In England, requests to approve details required by a condition are made to the authority in writing, and it must give its decision within 8 weeks unless a longer period is agreed in writing. The form records the condition, the plan revision and its status, and you send the PDF with your request.

Source: GOV.UK planning practice guidance, use of planning conditions.

What should a CEMP include?

Whatever your condition lists. Most cover the working and delivery hours, contacts and a complaints procedure, dust and wheel washing, noise and vibration, protection of drains and watercourses, fuel and material storage, waste, tree and ecology protection, site lighting and construction traffic routes. The form has a section for each, and a box to copy the condition's own list so each point can be matched to a section.

What law covers dust, noise and light from a building site?

In England and Wales, dust from business premises, artificial light and noise can each be a statutory nuisance when prejudicial to health or a nuisance (Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 79), and the local authority serves an abatement notice when it is satisfied one exists or is likely to occur or recur (section 80). For construction noise, the local authority can also serve a notice setting the plant, hours and noise levels (Control of Pollution Act 1974, section 60). In England, BS 5228-1 and BS 5228-2 are the approved codes of practice for construction noise and vibration.

Sources: Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 79, statutory nuisances, Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 80, abatement notices, Control of Pollution Act 1974, section 60, control of noise on construction sites and Control of Noise (Code of Practice for Construction and Open Sites) (England) Order 2015.

What is a section 61 consent?

Under section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, anyone intending to carry out construction work can apply to the local authority for prior consent. The application gives the works, the method and the steps proposed to minimise noise. The authority can attach conditions, and must give its decision within 28 days of receiving the application. The form records whether a consent was applied for or granted, and its reference.

Source: Control of Pollution Act 1974, section 61, prior consent for work on construction sites.

What does a CEMP need to say about water and waste?

GOV.UK guidance for England says you must not cause or allow pollution, that surface water drains discharge directly to the environment, and that construction sites should keep water out of excavations, collect contaminated water such as pumped water where it can be treated, keep concrete and fuel work in areas that catch spills, and protect stockpiles. For waste, the duty of care in section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applies, and GOV.UK says to complete a waste transfer note for each load, check the carrier is registered and keep notes for 2 years.

Sources: GOV.UK, pollution prevention for businesses (Defra and Environment Agency), Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 34, duty of care for waste and GOV.UK, dispose of business or commercial waste: waste transfer notes.

Can I use it to check the site against the plan?

Yes. The compliance section holds a dated check each time you walk the site: ten checks from dust to complaints, a reason for anything needing action, complaints received since the last check, and photos. The form counts the items needing action across all checks, and each action has a priority, an owner, a date and a status. Nesting birds are covered too: in England and Wales it is an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.

Source: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, section 1, protection of wild birds, their nests and eggs.

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