1. Noise Maps and House Building – potential future influence on planning and design
Peter Hepworth Tuesday 31st October Sustainable New Homes and Sound Insulation, Birmingham

2. Outline Why are Noise Maps required;
What are Noise Maps and Action Plans;
Timescales;
What will the impact on House Builders be?

3. Why are Noise Maps required
EC Green Paper on Future Noise Policy (1996)
Environmental Noise Directive 2002/49/EC
The Environmental Noise (England) Regulations 2006;
English implementation of the END;
Came in to force on 1st October 2006;
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland introducing separate Regulations;

4. What are Noise Maps Cover Road, Rail, Aircraft and Industrial Noise;
Maps for ‘agglomerations’, major roads, major railways and major airports;
5 year cycle of noise maps;
Definition of agglomeration, major road and major railway changes for 2nd round of mapping;
Used to provide information for Noise Action Plans.

6. What are Noise Action Plans?
Noise maps provide data but plans required for action;
Plans required to ‘manage noise issues and effects, including noise reduction if necessary’;
‘Measures within the plans are at the discretion of the competent authorities’;
Plans required for major roads, major railways, major airports and agglomerations;
Agglomeration plans also to protect quiet areas against an increase in noise;
Competent authorities.

7. Timescales Single source Noise Maps by 30 June 2007;
Limit values/criteria for assessment of priorities by 18 July 2007;
Consolidated Noise Maps by 1 October 2007;
Noise Action Plans by 18 July 2008;
Action Plans procedure must include public consultation;
Reviewed every 5 years, or sooner if major development affects noise situation;

8. Impact on House Builders
Uses of Noise Maps by General Public;
Uses of Noise Maps by Local Authorities;
Strategic Planning;
Detailed Planning;
Easier for local authorities to assess the need for a detailed noise assessment;

11. Impact on House Builders
Possible opportunities for House Builders;
Contribution towards noise mitigation measures;
Development in areas currently outside guideline values;
Currently no new funding has been announced for mitigation works;
Developer funding could assist existing and proposed housing.

12. Conclusions
Noise Maps will provide a more informed public and planning authority;
The results will be fed in to the strategic choice of housing sites;
Some sites may become easier to develop because of Noise Action Plans;
Some sites may become easier to develop because of developer funding of mitigation works;
Detailed assessments may require reworking of existing noise maps.