Current parliamentary and policy news

The work of the IOA Parliamentary Liaison Group continues to gain traction in Parliament, as the contribution of the Institute and our members to managing noise pollution was acknowledged in the House of Lords.

While we wait to work with members of a newly elected government to further raise the profile of issues around acoustics, members continue to input to consultations that impact our profession.

House of Lords Grand Committee urge government to work with IOA
In May the House of Lords Grand Committee discussed the report covering the ‘neglected pollutants’ – which investigates environmental noise and health – published by the Lords Science and Technology Committee last year. Peter Rogers of Sustainable Acoustics, and Chair of our Parliamentary Liaison Group, attended the debate. Opening the debate, Baroness Brown of Cambridge said: “I have not experienced such strong public interest in a committee inquiry before. We had a much greater number of submissions from members of the public and campaigning groups than we would normally expect to receive. This will be familiar to local councillors and many constituency MPs, who I am sure have a very keen understanding that noise and light pollution can affect quality of life.” Baroness Brown also highlighted the lack of clarity in government responsibility for managing noise saying: “One issue that concerned us was that this is a policy area that seems to fall between the cracks

in government. Defra takes overall responsibility for pollution, including the environmental noise directive and the responsibilities set out in the 25-year environment plan, but much noise comes from road, rail and air traffic, which come under the Department for Transport’s remit. Much of it can be managed through planning, which comes under Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and dealing with specific planning issues and noise and light complaints typically falls on local government, as decisions to deal with them are often devolved. That means that it is not always clear who is responsible for dealing with these problems, and no one in government really seems to own these neglected pollutants.’

Above: When pubs and restaurants were closed because of the pandemic, they could sell alcohol for consumption outside their premises if they had a pavement license. These regulations expire on 31 March 2025, and the Consultation: Alcohol in licensed pavement areas, sets out permanent options for alcohol licensing after this date

In acknowledging the contribution of IOA and others to the report she said: “One of the really heartening points in our inquiry is that there are professional, campaigning and industry bodies that take this very seriously. The Institute of Acoustics, the Society of Light and Lighting and the Institution of Lighting Professionals are all concerned with ensuring that their industries do not contribute to light and noise pollution. In many cases, they have developed best practice guidance on planning and design and are passionate about seeing it widely adopted. There is significant scientific, public health and technical expertise on the causes of, and solutions for, light and noise pollution. We urge the Government to work with these organisations to ensure that this guidance and support is used effectively each time key decisions are made.” Read the full transcript of the debate (from 3pm) at https://tinyurl. com/Grandcommitteedebate

of the 148 venues lost last year, approximately 22% closed due to operational issues, including noise abatement orders and/or other neighbour disputes. It found the introduction of the agent of change principle (which puts the obligation on developers to protect the operations of existing business), has been welcomed by the music industry, but they are concerned it is not being consistently applied. The report emphasises the importance of these venues as part of the live music ecosystem, providing a platform for up-and-coming bands and music professionals, as well as space for rehearsals, education and social programmes. The enquiry set out to explore the ongoing crisis, specific issues faced and consider interventions that will prevent further venue closures. In summary the report states: ‘ One conclusion is that venues are facing widespread risk of closure due to planning and redevelopment related issues. The Government made progress by including an “agent of change principle” in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This principle should be put on a statutory footing at the earliest opportunity. ’

continue to have a say about what happens in their area .’ The impact assessment acknowledges that licensing conditions might be used, if necessary to avoid noise problems at night in a residential neighbourhood.

The consultation closes on 11 July. ( https://www.gov.uk/government/ consultations/alcohol-in-licensed- pavement-areas )

Consultation: National Policy Statement for fusion energy The Department of Energy and Net Zero published a consultation on a proposed approach to siting fusion energy facilities in May. The accompanying Appraisal of Sustainability puts the draft planning approach in the context of WHO noise guidelines and the Noise Policy Statement England. If agreed, this policy statement would be a new NPS 8, in the series of planning policy statements for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects that cover England and Wales.

Fireworks: Bill tabled to reduce noise In April, the Labour MP for Bradford South, Judith Cummins, tabled her Bill aimed at reducing the noise limit for fireworks from 120 dB to 90 dB. In presenting the Bill in Parliament she expressed hope that the Fireworks (Noise Limits) Bill would end the misery caused to many people by the illegal and antisocial use of fireworks. Organised public displays would not be affected by the proposed change. She said: “This is a Bill for those who fear the excessive noise of fireworks, a Bill for people whose pets are left terrified by the noise of fireworks, a Bill that would end the broken sleep of children, and a Bill for those who want to end the misery that noisy fireworks bring.” The Bill is supported by animal welfare charity RSPCA.

The consultation closed on 3 July. ( https://tinyurl.com/NPSfusionenergy )

Noise from outdoor equipment As part of the ongoing review of Retained EU Law (RUEL), draft legislation amending the Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001 has been published. The measures are included in the draft UK Statutory Instrument: The Product Safety and Metrology etc (Amendment) Regulations scheduled to come into force 1 Oct 2024 ( https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ ukdsi/2024/9780348260311 )

Read the inquiry report here https://tinyurl.com/UKPCMSC

Consultation: Alcohol in licensed pavement areas During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government passed regulations covering England and Wales, allowing businesses licensed to serve alcohol for consumption on their premises (on-site) to sell alcohol for takeaway, delivery and to drink in licensed pavement areas (‘off-sales’), without changing their licence. This meant that when pubs and restaurants were closed because of the pandemic, they could sell alcohol for consumption outside their premises if they had a pavement license. The regulations expire on 31 March 2025, and this consultation sets out permanent options for alcohol licensing after this date. The consultation states that three options are presented ‘ to make it easier for premises to sell alcohol for consumption in a licensed pavement area, whilst ensuring that licensing authorities and local residents

Read the full speech at https://tinyurl.com/fireworksnoise

Live music: Parliamentary Committee supports agent of change A report by the UK Parliament Culture, Media and Sport Committee found that noise complaints are contributing to the loss of grassroots music venues. A short inquiry exploring the issue revealed that

About the author: Mary Stevens supports the IOA to bring acoustics to the attention of policy-makers.

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