Noise control
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Noise exposure categories for residential development
8. This guidance introduces the concept of Noise Exposure Categories (NECs),
ranging from A-D, to help local planning authorities in their consideration
of applications for residential development near transport-related noise
sources. Category A represents the circumstances in which noise is unlikely
to be a determining factor, while Category D relates to the situation in
which development should normally be refused. Categories B and C deal with
situations where noise mitigation measures may make development acceptable.
Annex 1 illustrates this approach in more detail. It also explains why the
NEC procedure cannot be used in the reverse context for proposals, which
would introduce new noise sources into areas of existing residential development.
9. The table in Annex 1 contains a recommended range of noise levels for each NEC covering day and night-time periods. However, in some cases it may be appropriate for local planning authorities to determine the range of noise levels which they wish to attribute to any or each of the NECs. For example, where there is a clear need for new residential development in an already noisy area some or all NECs might be increased by up to 3-dB (A) above the recommended levels. In other cases, a reduction of up to 3 dB (A) may be justified. Go to table of contents
Development control Noisy development
10. Much of the development which is necessary for the creation of jobs
and the construction and improvement of essential infrastructure will generate
noise. The planning system should not place unjustifiable obstacles in the
way of such development. Nevertheless, local planning authorities must ensure
that development does not cause an unacceptable degree of disturbance. They
should also bear in mind that a subsequent intensification or change of
use may result in greater intrusion and they may wish to consider the use
of appropriate conditions.
11. Noise characteristics and levels can vary substantially according to
their source and the type of activity involved. In the case of industrial
development for example, the character of the noise should be taken into
account as well as its level. Sudden impulses, irregular noise or noise
which contains a distinguishable continuous tone will require special consideration.
In addition to noise from aircraft landing and taking off, noise from aerodromes
is likely to include activities such as engine testing as well as ground
movements. The impact of noise from sport, recreation and entertainment
will depend to a large extent on frequency of use and the design of facilities.
More detailed advice on factors to consider in relation to the major noise
sources including roads, railways, airports, industrial and recreational
noise and their measurement is given in Annex 3. Separate advice on the
control of noise from mineral working sites is provided in Minerals Planning
Guidance
Noise-sensitive development
12. Local planning authorities should consider carefully in each case whether
proposals for new noise-sensitive development would be incompatible with
existing activities. Such development should not normally be permitted in
areas which are - or are expected to become -subject to unacceptably high
levels of noise. When determining planning applications for development
which will be exposed to an existing noise source, local planning authorities
should consider both the likely level of noise exposure at the time of the
application and any increase that may reasonably be expected in the foreseeable
future, for example at an airport. Annex 3 gives guidance on the assessment
of noise from different sources. Authorities will also wish to bear in mind
that, while there will be sites where noise is significantly lower at night
than during the day, other sites may be subjected to night-time noise, for
example from traffic, at a level which is little below the daytime level.
These sites warrant particular protection: noise-sensitive development should
not normally be permitted where high levels of noise will continue throughout
the night, especially during the hours when people are normally sleeping
(23.00 to 07.00).
Measures to mitigate the impact of noise
13. A number of measures can be introduced to control the source of, or
limit exposure to, noise. Such measures should be proportionate and reasonable
and may include one or more of the following: (i) engineering: reduction
of noise at point of generation (eg by using quiet machines and/or quiet
methods of working); containment of noise generated (eg by insulating buildings
which house machinery and/or providing purpose-built barriers around the
site); and protection of surrounding noise-sensitive buildings (eg by improving
sound insulation in these buildings and/or screening them by purposebuilt
barriers); (ii) lay-out: adequate distance between source and noise-sensitive
building or area; screening by natural barriers, other buildings, or non-critical
rooms in a building; (iii) administrative: limiting operating time of source;
restricting activities allowed on the site; specifying an acceptable noise
limit.
14. Early consultation with the applicant about the possible use of such measures is desirable and may enable them to be incorporated into the design of the proposal before it is formally submitted for determination. Alternatively it may be appropriate for a local planning authority to ensure that such measures are introduced by imposing conditions.