Planning Consultation Guidance Notes

2. Statement of the principles of ECP planning guidance

Recommendations to Development Management concerning the noise impact of any proposed development will be based on the following aims:

The avoidance of significant adverse impacts on noise-sensitive receptors from existing or new potentially noisy developments and/or the avoidance of significant adverse impacts on existing noise generating uses as a consequence of the siting of new noise-sensitive developments.

That suitable mitigation to minimise adverse impacts from noise and vibration will be provided where appropriate.

The improvement of health and quality of life through high quality design and place shaping.

To assess the likely impacts it is expected that applications will be supported with an effective and relevant noise assessment as outlined below:

Any development including any noise generating uses shall be supported by an assessment of the impact of any noise and vibration generated by the development on the amenity of any noise sensitive use. Where an adverse impact is predicted the development proposals shall include details of how this adverse impact will be avoided or reduced.

Any development containing noise sensitive uses shall be supported by an assessment of the impact of any existing sources of noise and vibration on the amenity of the proposed occupants of the development. Where an adverse impact is predicted the development proposals shall include details of how this adverse impact will be avoided or reduced.

Further guidance on the determination of the impacts of proposals is included in Section 4, but the following approach will be taken in principle to support the delivery of the principles in the NPSE(1);

Where proposals are expected to have a significant adverse impact then this department will recommend the application is refused. This is the level above which the noise causes a material change in behaviour such as keeping windows closed for most of the time or avoiding certain activities during periods when the noise is present.
Where the proposals are expected to have no observed effect then this department will not object on noise grounds. Noise is regarded as having no adverse effect so long as the exposure is such that it does not cause any change in behaviour or attitude. Where mitigation is needed to achieve these levels ECP will recommend that appropriate conditions are attached to any permission.
Where the proposals are predicted to have an adverse impact then ECP recommendations will be based on the context of each application.

Further guidance on mitigation of noise impacts is included in Section 5, but the design of mitigation measures should follow the principles of good acoustic design.

Good acoustic design takes an integrated approach to achieve optimal acoustic conditions in both internal and external noise-sensitive locations and does not just focus on compliance with recommended internal and external noise exposure standards.

For the purposes of this document noise-sensitive premises are taken to be places where the building occupants may be resting, sleeping or studying which includes residential premises, hotels, hostels, hospitals and schools. In assessing mitigation schemes the hierarchy of measures in Figure 1 should be considered in descending order of preference. These measures expanded on in more detail in section 5.

Level 1

Control of noise at source
Reduction of the noise generated at source by redesign, relocation, control or containment

Level 2

Site layout and design
Maximise the distance between noise source and receptor, using existing topography or existing structures or purpose-built barriers to screen the proposed development site from significant sources of noise.

Level 3

Dwelling layout and orientation
Using the layout of the scheme and orientation of buildings to avoid location of noise sensitive rooms on adversely impacted facades

Level 4

Planning restrictions
Using planning conditions/obligations to restrict activities allowed on the site at certain times and/or specifying permissible noise levels