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Low Frequency Noise (LFN) can be an environmental noise problem, often referred to as a 'hum'. Not everyone can hear it, as our range of hearing differs, ...
Low Frequency Noise (LFN) is often referred to as a 'hum'.
LFN can cause irritation and annoyance, disturb sleep, and make people uncomfortable in their homes.
Low frequency noise can travel long distances.
Possible sources of LFN include pumps, large fans, compressors, diesel engines and other rotary machinery.
Electrical power transmission systems can also be a source of LFN.
The largest proportion of LFN sufferers are over fifty.
Examples of troublesome low frequency sounds include the Bristol hum and the Holmfield hum.
The briefing aims to help increase understanding of low frequency noise.
External resources
Low Frequency Noise (LFN) can be an environmental noise problem, often referred to as a 'hum'. Not everyone can hear it, as our range of hearing differs, and in many cases no source can be identified. LFN can cause irritation and annoyance, disturb sleep and make people uncomfortable in their homes. As low frequency noise can travel long distances, it is often challenging to identify the source of the sound. Possible sources include pumps, large fans, compressors, diesel engines and other rotary machinery. Electrical power transmission systems can also be a source. The largest proportion of LFN sufferers are over fifty, indicating that the number of people with low frequency noise problems will increase with our ageing population. Examples of troublesome low frequency sounds include the Bristol hum and the Holmfield hum. This briefing aims to help increase understanding of low frequency noise, and sets out ways it can be investigated as well as routes to finding mechanisms for coping with it where no source can be identified.
Attached Documents:
briefing_note_low_frequency_noise_annoyance_0
Downoad Low Frequency Noise Annoyance below:
The Environmental Audit Committee Inquiry into Airport Expansion and Climate and nature targets that took place last year and included a recommendation on noise impacts.
Considerations of noise and soundscape are embedded in the Natural Resources Wales State of Natural Resources Report 2025.
In December the Welsh Government(WG) published the outcome of their consultation on changes to permitted development rights (PDR), which includes air source heat pumps (ASHP).
Transport Scotland have published a new Transport Noise Action Plan (TNAP) for 2025 – 2028.
A report commissioned by the Department for Business and Industrial Strategy to look at assessment of noise from onshore wind farms is now published.
The Welsh Government are consulting on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps(ASHP).
As part of their ongoing enquiry into the impact of airport expansion on climate and nature targets, the Environmental Audit Committee will be taking oral evidence tomorrow - Wednesday May 14th.
The Government are seeking views on proposals for changes to the planning process for national infrastructure projects.
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