Noise Matters – for Nature and our Quality of Life
Generally, noise generated from development applications within ‘acceptable limit values’ for humans, is not considered a material consideration in planning terms. Whilst there is an increasing focus for development to be ‘nature positive’ and deliver legally binding requirements for a net gain in biodiversity (BNG) – the impact of transport noise on nature tends to receive little or no consideration. Many developments currently fail to consider the impact of noise from traffic on its ability to deliver BNG. Most highway schemes currently do not consider the impact of the noise they generate on biodiversity. This is an area that will undoubtedly receive greater scrutiny as the BNG market matures and our understanding of the relationship between noise and nature is enhanced.