The IOA have responded to the Government consultation proposing to extend the allowance of change of use of a range of premises types to homes in England, without the need for planning permission. The Institute recognises the need for more dwellings but cannot support the proposed permitted development policies unless the potential noise impact from all sources is covered by the prior approval process. Allowing the conversion of existing spaces like betting shops, amusement arcades, hotels etc to dwellings, can lead to noise being experienced by the new residents. Complaints about noise can lead to costly investigation and remediation, which could be prevented by assessment of the potential noise impacts prior to changing use.
While we welcome the maintenance of the prior approval process relating to noise from commercial premises as part of the permitted development rights for new dwellings, non commercial sources such as transport noise, continue to be overlooked. High Streets and tourist thoroughfares can be busy with vehicles and people – which generate a lot of noise. If permitted development rights are applied allowing premises to be converted to dwellings without proper consideration of these noise sources, the health and quality of life of the new residents could be adversely affected, resulting in poor quality homes as well as attracting the associated economic costs of these adverse effects.
The IOA has stated for many years that any permitted development that can affect or be affected by the sound environment is not a good idea as it can lead to poor or ineffective noise management.
