Planning needs clear noise policy

In responding to the Government consultation on a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for England, the IOA express concern that inconsistencies with wider noise management policy could lead to costly legal battles.  The IOA commented that we fully understand and support the Government’s desire for growth and to remove blockages in the planning system.  However, we emphasised that to underpin that desire, it is important that noise management policy within the planning system is coherent and consistent both within the NPPF, and with policies across Government.  We drew attention to the Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE) which has been providing the basis for consistent noise management policy across all areas of Government activity for many years. The overarching aims of the NPSE are to avoid significant adverse effects on health and quality of life, to mitigate and minimise adverse effects on health and quality of life, and where possible, contribute to the improvement of health and quality of life, all within the context of Government policy on sustainable development. We add that the fundamental thrust of the NPSE is that the management of noise must not be considered in isolation but that the social and economic value to society of proposals must be taken into account, with any adverse noise impacts being effectively managed in that context. The NPSE principles are to be found in the various National Policy Statements (NPS) for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) and in policies relating to transportation noise management, minerals and entertainment.

The IOA’s response was compiled by an experienced group of about a dozen members, taking account of the responses to a survey of the wider membership.

See our full response on our Consultations page