I refer to Malcolm Brashear's letter headlined, 'Life disrupted by constant noise pollution' (South China Morning Post, November 11), regarding noise from flats under renovation. Noise from general construction activities during the restricted hours (7pm to 7am or at any time on Sundays and other general holidays) is controlled by means of a permit system under the Noise Control Ordinance. However, it does not cover renovation or other general construction activities conducted outside the restricted hours. We share the concern of Mr Brashear on noise from renovation of flats which is often transmitted through building structures which could not easily be shut out by closing one's flat windows. The Government appreciates the increasing aspiration of the community for a better living environment and has been working on a proposed legislation to put noisy renovation activities under control. This initiative to improve our environment has already been made an objective in this year's Policy Address. The proposal is expected to be ready for consultation in 1999 and when implemented will help to minimise noise disturbance from renovation activities. K. S. CHAN Principal Environmental Protection Officer for Director of Environmental Protection
