A National Policy Statement(NPS) for Water Resources Infrastructure for England has been published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The NPS aims to streamline planning permission, enable new water supply infrastructure and provide guidance for applicants. In a chapter on noise and vibration, the statement acknowledges the impact noise can have on human health and quality of life, tranquil places and the natural environment including marine life. The statement says the Secretary of State should take decisions on such development in accordance with current legislation and guidance – including the Noise Policy Statement England and National Planning Policy Framework. In addition it says soundscape should be acknowledged in decision making:
“The proposed development should demonstrate good design through selection of the approach with the most acceptable soundscape available; containment of noise within buildings wherever possible; optimisation of facility layout to minimise noise emissions; and, where possible, the use of landscaping, bunds or noise barriers to reduce noise transmission.”
This follows a consultation in 2018.
Full document: National Policy Statement for water resources infrastructure - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
