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Last week a saw noise and health debated in the House of Lords, as the Grand Committee discussed the report covering noise and light pollution and health
The House of Lords Grand Committee debated noise and health last week.
The debate covered a report on noise and light pollution and health published by the Lords Science and Technology Committee.
Baroness Brown of Cambridge stated, "I have not experienced such strong public interest in a committee inquiry before."
The inquiry received "a much greater number of submissions from members of the public and campaigning groups than we would normally expect to receive."
The Institute of Acoustics, the Society of Light and Lighting, and the Institution of Lighting Professionals are concerned with noise and light pollution.
These organizations have "developed best practice guidance on planning and design."
There is significant scientific, public health, and technical expertise on the causes and solutions for light and noise pollution.
The report urged the Government to work with these organizations.
External resources
Last week a saw noise and health debated in the House of Lords, as the Grand Committee discussed the report covering noise and light pollution and health published by the Lords Science and Technology Committee last year. Introducing the report, 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.”
“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”.
See full transcript of the debate from 3pm
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.
No record found.