A CMP will keep your commercial or residential development on track, on time, and compliant with council regulations

Over time, we've witnessed our fair share of mistakes with CMPs that have caused delays, fines, and plenty of headaches for businesses. Here’s what to look out for and how to steer clear of them.

Overlooking traffic management

Construction sites can have a significant impact on local traffic. If you’re working in a busy area, a little extra traffic can cause absolute chaos. One big mistake with CMPs is not providing a detailed traffic management plan, which can lead to delays, complaints from residents and even legal issues if roads aren’t safely managed during construction.

How to avoid it: Before you start your project, make sure your CMP includes clear guidelines for road closures, detours, and the safe movement of construction vehicles. It helps to work with local authorities to develop a traffic plan that prioritises public safety.

Don’t forget to include parking arrangements, and if there are lane closures or heavy vehicle movements, ensure they are planned during off-peak hours to minimise disruptions.

Not addressing dust and noise control

As a builder, you know better than anyone else how dusty and noisy construction sites can be. This is fine, when you’re managing these factors properly, but if not, excessive noise from machinery or ongoing dust storms can lead to complaints and possible fines from the council.

How to avoid it: Your CMP needs to address noise and dust control measures – which could include regular wetting down of dust-prone areas, using noise barriers on site and limiting noisy activities during certain hours.

Ignoring waste management procedures

It’s no secret that construction sites generate a lot of waste. If waste management isn’t properly outlined in your CMP, you might end up with rubbish spilling over onto public land, damaged roads, or even issues with rodents. This can be an eyesore and a health hazard, and councils are particularly strict about waste disposal.

How to avoid it: Ensure your CMP includes a detailed waste management strategy. Set up clearly marked waste bins, including separate areas for recyclable materials, and organise regular site clean-ups. If you have large amounts of debris, arrange for appropriate disposal or recycling.

Not considering the impact on neighbours

Construction sites can have a huge impact on nearby residents, but this can be managed. From noise to traffic disruptions, poor communication can create unnecessary frustration with neighbours. Failing to include measures for communicating with residents and stakeholders can lead to complaints, delays, and a lack of cooperation from the community.

How to avoid it: The key is great communication. Don’t wait until you get a complaint, stay in front by informing neighbours of the construction schedule and anything that might specifically affect them.

For larger construction sites, consider distributing newsletters or holding a community meeting before the project begins to explain the work and what you’re doing to minimize disruptions.

Overcomplicating the plan

A CMP that’s too complex or filled with excessive detail can become a burden rather than a helpful tool. If the plan is too difficult to follow or update, it can lead to confusion and inefficiency on-site.

How to avoid it: Keep the CMP as simple and straightforward as possible while still covering all necessary details. Builder Assist’s CMP template will help you prioritise the most critical elements, so you can avoid overwhelming the team and ensure everyone can easily understand and implement the steps.