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Planning and Noise

Our essential guide to noise in the UK planning system.

Sometimes overlooked and often misunderstood, noise is a crucial environmental factor that plays a role in most people's lives. To some, the constant noises of traffic, people and music contributes to a valued sense of liveliness in urban areas. Others seek out the quiet serenity of rural areas and strongly oppose any threat to the natural soundscape. 

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UK planning policy on noise is informed in part by advice from The World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has stated that environmental noise can cause a range of adverse health effects, including cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbance, cognitive impairment in children, and annoyance. The WHO has estimated that in Western European countries alone, environmental noise may contribute to at least one million healthy years of life lost annually, and it has also indicated that reducing environmental noise levels can lead to a reduction in the number of premature deaths and other health impacts.

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To that end, noise can be a "make or break" factor for some planning applications. Expert guidance on noise can be extremely valuable in these situations. 

What is the national policy on noise?

The National Planning Policy Framework is a set of guidelines and principles that outline the UK government's planning policies and objectives.

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The NPPF aims to ensure that noise is considered as a crucial factor in the planning process of new developments. Its main objectives regarding noise include:

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  • Preventing new developments from causing excessive noise levels that could adversely affect the health and well-being of people, and ensuring that existing noise-sensitive developments are adequately protected from noise.

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  • Ensuring that new developments are designed to reduce noise impacts where possible and appropriate, and that noise mitigation measures are implemented if necessary.

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  • Encouraging the use of good acoustic design practices to minimize noise impacts from new developments, particularly in noise-sensitive locations such as residential areas.

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  • Ensuring that planning decisions are made based on up-to-date and robust evidence of noise levels, and that developers provide detailed information on the potential noise impacts of their proposed developments.

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By considering noise as an important factor in the planning process, the NPPF aims to create sustainable and healthy communities that are respectful of their acoustic environment.

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Noise Policy Statement for England

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The Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE) is a document published by the UK government that outlines the policy framework for addressing noise as an environmental issue in England, including objectives, principles, and guidance for noise management and mitigation.

Noise Policy Statement for England

Roles and responsibilities in noise disturbance cases

Sometimes people choose to take legal advice from a solicitor on matters relating to noise disturbance, especially when other avenues have been unsuccessful such as when the council have been unable to act on the complainants behalf. Acoustic Consultants sometimes get involved in noise disturbance cases when there is a need for an independent assessment from someone with the qualifications and experience to advise on noise from a technical perspective.

Black and White Star in Circle

England

Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE)

Wales

Welsh Noise & Soundscape Action Plan 2018 – 2023

Scotland

Planning Advice Note 1/2011: planning and noise

Want to know more?

Contact Evolved Acoustics for a free initial consultation

We're expert advisors on acoustics and take on projects of all sizes.

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Get in touch today to find out how we can help you overcome your noise and vibration related challenges.

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