Policy information sourced from Windsor and Maidenhead Local Plan
EP 4 Noise
Development proposals should consider the noise and quality of life impact on recipients in existing nearby properties and also the intended new occupiers ensuring they will not be subject to unacceptable harm.
Development proposals that generate unacceptable levels of noise and affect quality of life will not be permitted. Effective mitigation measures will be required where development proposals may generate significant levels of noise (for example from plant and equipment) and may cause or have an adverse impact on neighbouring residents, the rural character of an area or biodiversity.
Development proposals in areas significantly affected by aircraft, road or rail noise will be supported if the applicant can demonstrate via a noise impact assessment, effective mitigation measures.
Development proposals will need to demonstrate how they have met the following internal noise standards for noise sensitive developments:
- Internal noise levels within all habitable rooms shall not exceed an average noise level (LAeq) of 35 dB(A) during the daytime measured between 07.00am to 11.00pm
- Internal noise levels within all habitable rooms shall not exceed an average noise level (LAeq) of 30 dB(A) during the night – time measured between 11.00pm and 07.00am
- Internal noise levels within the bedroom environment shall not exceed a maximum noise level (LAmax) of 45 dB(A) during the night – time measured between 11.00pm and 07.00am
- Where feasible, measures shall be taken to ensure the external noise levels as part of the development do not exceed an average noise level (LAeq) of 55 dB(A) during the daytime measured between 07.00am and 11.00pm
These noise standards will apply unless there are particular specific circumstances that justify some variation to be made in individual cases.
The Council will require noise impact assessments to be submitted in circumstances where development proposals will generate or be affected by unacceptable levels of neighbourhood or environmental noise.
Neighbourhood Noise
Where neighbourhood noise associated with a particular development is likely to cause unacceptable harm to existing or future occupiers, the Council will require applicants to submit a noise assessment.
Development proposals will be expected to demonstrate how exposure to neighbourhood noise will be minimised by the use of sound insulation, silencers, noise limiters, screening from undue noise by natural barriers, man made barriers or other buildings and by restricting certain activities on site.
Environmental noise
Development proposals will need to carry out a noise impact assessment in compliance with BS7445-1: 2003 for development proposals affected by environmental noise, to determine the noise levels that affect the development, and will also need to submit noise insulation and ventilation measures in compliance with BS8233. In addition noise mitigation measures will also need to be adopted to provide some protection of outdoor amenities from excessive noise levels from road and rail noise.
For more information please see the Local Plan