Policy information sourced from the Woking Development Management Policies Development Plan Document (DPD)

DM7: Noise and light pollution

Noise

The Council will require noise generating forms of development or proposals that would affect noise-sensitive uses to be accompanied by a statement detailing potential noise generation levels and any mitigation measures proposed to ensure that all noise is reduced to an acceptable level.

In assessing such a scheme of mitigation, account will be taken of:

  • for noise-generating development:
    • the location, design, and layout of the proposed development; and
    • existing levels of background noise; and
    • measures to reduce or contain generated noise; and
    • hours of operation and servicing.
  • for noise-sensitive development:
    • the location, design and layout of the proposed development; and
    • measures to reduce noise within the development to acceptable levels, including external areas where possible; and
    • the need to maintain adequate levels of natural light and ventilation to habitable areas of the development.

Development will only be permitted where mitigation can be provided to an appropriate standard with an acceptable design, particularly in proximity to sensitive existing uses or sites.

Development proposals for noise-sensitive uses in areas of significant existing environmental or neighbourhood noise will only be supported where the need for development outweighs impacts on amenity of future occupiers, and where a robust scheme of mitigation is provided. In general, the following values will be sought for residential development:

  • Day time (7am – 11pm) 35 dB LAeq4 16 hours in all rooms and 50 dB in outdoor living areas.
  • Night time (11pm – 7am) 30 dB LAeq 8 hours and LAmax5 less than 45 dB in bedrooms.

For proposals involving residential and other noise-sensitive development that would be sited close to commercial/industrial noise sources, the Council will consider applications against the current version of BS4142 (or any future equivalent) in order to assess the likelihood of complaints from future occupiers and therefore the acceptability of the proposed development. A similar approach will be taken for noise sensitive development sited close to any other form of noise-generating use.

Lighting and Illumination

Proposals for external lighting as part of a new or existing development which require planning permission will be permitted where the applicant can demonstrate that the lighting scheme is the minimum necessary for security, safety, working or recreational purposes and that it minimises the pollution from glare or spillage. Particular attention will be paid to schemes in or close to open countryside or intrinsically dark landscapes, close to residential property and areas important for nature conservation. This includes the undeveloped buffer zones alongside watercourses identified in Core Strategy Policy CS17: Open Space, Green Infrastructure, sport and recreation, and detailed further with regard to the Basingstoke Canal in Policy DM4.

Proposals for or including floodlighting will be permitted provided there is no significant harm to the character of the area, to the amenities of the occupiers of residential property or to areas important for nature conservation. In addition, within the Green Belt floodlighting to illuminate sport and recreation facilities will only be permitted where there is no harm to the openness of the Green Belt.

Proposals for external lighting as part of a new or existing development which require planning permission will be permitted where the applicant can demonstrate that the lighting scheme is the minimum necessary for security, safety, working or recreational purposes and that it minimises the pollution of glare or spillage to prevent adverse impacts on nocturnal animals such as bats and water species.

For more information please see the Development Plan Document