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In a review of around 100 or so Environmental Statements submitted in the UK in 2011, it was found that in 92% of cases the joint top topics of discussion were Noise and Ecology.
However, unlike Ecology, the noise impact is the one which is likely to be raised more by objectors and the local authority. The noise impact will affect the existing and future nearby residents and, therefore, should be considered to be of the highest importance.
Noise impact assessments compliant with the EIA directive have increased in complexity over the past few years. NSL can provide the appropriate service in order to avoid legal challenges and negative comments like the following (for a massive London infrastructure project).
Noise and Vibration Chapter for Environmental Statements
“The profession of noise consultancy is witnessing a great change in the way noise mitigation is assessed. For a long time what has been required has been compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations and the identification and mitigation of significant effects. Now we have the Noise Policy Statement for England, the National Policy Statement for Waste Water and the emerging Planning Practice Guidance, which require the avoidance of significant effects and the mitigation and minimisation of adverse noise impacts without reference to the word “significant”. The proposals appear to follow the old practice of merely identifying and mitigating significant effects, and they do not follow the policy guidance which required mitigation and minimising of adverse noise impacts. They
have not kept pace with changes and progress in government noise policy.”