Policy information sourced from the Hounslow Local Plan Part 1

EQ5 - NOISE

Our approach

We will seek to reduce the impact of noise from aviation, transport and noise-generating uses, and require the location and design of new development to have considered the impact of noise, and mitigation of these impacts, on new users and surrounding uses according to their sensitivity.

We will achieve this by

  • Assessing the potential noise impacts of development proposals where they are located near to noise-sensitive uses (such as housing) or existing sources of noise;
  • Directing noise-sensitive development to locations outside those areas identified where noise exposure is likely to cause adverse effects in terms of public health and well-being and children’s cognitive learning in schools;
  • Ensuring noise-sensitive development is protected against existing and proposed sources of noise through careful design, layout and use of materials, adequate insulation of the building envelope (including both internal/external walls and ceilings), as well as protecting external amenity areas;
  • Encouraging the uptake of measures to decrease noise nuisance in the built environment, including working with Heathrow Airport to improve conditions for households and other noise-sensitive uses exposed to high levels of noise, consistent with the Aviation Policy Framework; and
  • Considering the designation of Quiet Areas and identifying and protecting areas of tranquility which have remained relatively undisturbed by noise and are valued for their recreational and amenity value for this reason.

We will expect development proposals to

  • Carry out noise assessments where major schemes or a change of use to a more noisesensitive use are proposed, detailing on site noise levels both internally and in any external amenity space, and the potential impact of the development on surrounding uses;
  • Minimise noise disturbance from adjoining uses by incorporating sound insulation or alternative forms of noise barrier, using appropriate materials and arranging and locating rooms appropriately (such as through stacking rooms of similar use above/adjacent to each other), including where conversions or change of use are proposed;
  • Ensure that noise mitigation measures are implemented, to demonstrate compliance with British Standard BS8233: 2014 - Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings, as appropriate;
  • Demonstrate that new plant and machinery (including ventilation) do not harm the amenity of neighbouring properties and generate noise level that is at least 10dB below the background noise levels; and
  • Be located outside of the 69 dB LAeq 16hrs noise contour of Heathrow Airport where noise-sensitive uses (i.e. residential, nursing/care homes, schools/educational establishments, hospitals/healthcare facilities) are proposed, consistent with Section 2 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Balanced Approach to Aircraft Noise Management which directs residential developments outside this contour.

For more information please see the Hounslow Local Plan Part 1