Noise is a sound that is undesired by the
recipient. The legal definition of noise also includes vibration. Noise is the
largest single cause of complaint to local authorities. Surveys by the Building
Research Establishment have shown that over half of the homes in England and
Wales are thought to be exposed to noise levels exceeding the World Health
Organisation’s recommended daytim
e level of 55 decibels.
The Council for the Proctection of Rural
England (1995) claims that between 1960 and 1990 there was a 21% decrease in
the area of England that could be described as tranquil. There is some evidence
that the ‘noise-day’ is getting longer as development patterns and lifestyles
change. Noise contributes to stress, especially in urban areas, and may damage
health and increase aggressive behaviour.
Tranquility is a good indicator of quality
of life and sustainable construction should minimise noise production and
reduce the impact of noise.
- Are there ways to minimise noise during construction of
the development? What are they? Will they be used?
- Has the development been designed to minimise the impact
of noise, generated by use of the building - on people in the building, or
living and working close to the site?
- Has the development been designed to ensure that the
impact of noise generated outside the site (including traffic attracted to the
site) is kept to a minimum?
- Has a plan or strategy been produced that includes
tranquillity as a key factor in the achievement of a good quality environment?
- Have any noise reduction strategies been monitored for
effectiveness?
- A tranquil environment, retained or created, improves
quality of life
- Less complaints and stress for residents, neighbours and
visitors of new developments
- Woodside Animal Centre, Phase 1 , Elfordleigh (near
Plymouth) - the building itself acts as a noise barrier and is heavily
insulated to reduce noise (McCarthy Taylor Architects Ltd)
- PPG24 - Planning and Noise (1994)
- CIRIA guide to assessing and managing noise on
construction sites
- BRE - Managing noise on construction sites
- CPRE - Tranquil Areas Maps
- EC Green Paper on Noise Pollution (COM(96)540)
- Noise Act 1996
- EC Draft Framework Directive on the Assessment and
Management of Environmental Noise
- BS4142 - Method for rating Industrial Noise Affecting
Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas, 1997
- RTPI Introductory Guide to Planning and Environmental
Protection
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