BUILDING sites can now extend their working hours.

New Government guidance says construction sites can operate until 9pm from Monday to Saturday. Sundays and bank holidays remain non-working days.

Brighton and Hove City Council said it wants to help site operators arrange safe working amid the coronavirus crisis and “keep major projects moving forward”.

It has published new guidance for developers, construction site managers and residents on the council website.

Planning committee chairwoman Councillor Tracey Hill said longer hours would have an impact on residents, especially while people are having to stay home.

She said: “We are asking developers to set out how they will communicate with residents and agree to carry out any noisy work during the daytime. Enabling the safe operation of construction sites will help to support the city as it moves towards recovery, in particular major projects that will provide future jobs and build new, low cost homes.”