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Government acknowledge noise needs to be considered in consulting on a draft framework National Policy Statetment for development consent for data centres
Government are consulting on a draft framework National Policy Statetment (NPS) for development consent for data centres in England, under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime. The draft NPS sets out the policy and planning framework for the determination of applications, and informs applicants what needs to be considered.
In the consultation draft the government states it recognises that reducing the noise impact of data centres is a key criterion when considering applications for new developments, and that given the overall noise emission from data centres is at a present level throughout the day and night, any approach to evaluating applications must consider a balance between this negative impact and the overall positive benefit that data centres contribute to society.
The three most common sources of noise are noted as the generators, cooling systems, and the energy consumption from the power grid. The draft acknowledges that cooling systems, and in particular AI and high-data storage system data centres, emit noise pollution in the form of a humming or buzzing sound, and data centres drawing power from the grid can also cause a low-frequency humming sound.
The IOA are forming a working group to develop our response to the consultation, which closes on January 8th.
Draft National Policy Statement for Data Centres - GOV.UK
Vulnerability to transport noise is examined across European cities in a new briefing from the European Environment Agency
The President of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee hosted the 2026 John Connell Awards, demonstrating excellence in acoustic practice and innovation
The Government have today announced measures to prevent anti social behaviour on buses and trains, including noise from music and videos on phones.
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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