The IOA have responded to the consultation on the revising the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for England, and wider planning policy. Our response states that the main noise management policies in place in the NPPF do work, however we advise that they must be implemented properly. Members of the IOA and other professional organisations are working hard to strike the balance between effective noise management and other societal needs, and have produced guidance to assist developers and others with responsibility for securing good quality healthy homes. This includes Acoustics, Ventilation and Overheating – Residential Design Guide, published with the Association of Noise Consultants. Referencing that hierarchy of Good Acoustic Design in this revision of the NPPF would greatly assist with the Government’s policy of increasing the quantity of new housing without risking compromising its quality. In addition, by the end of the year, the IOA and ANC expect to publish a companion document: “Approved Document O – a Noise Guide”, to assist practitioners with the implementation of the overheating mitigation requirements. The Institute believe that following the guidance in both these documents would improve the quality of new homes, and urge government to add these two documents to the reference list in the Planning Practice Guidance on Noise. The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee described noise as the “Neglected Pollutant”, and clearer signposting to available noise guidance will help ensure noise is not neglected in planning healthy homes.
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