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Sound Advice on Noise

Section 3

Planning to stop the noise

The planning system can help to prevent potential noise problems. For example, noisy industrial developments can be sited away from schools and hospitals, and buildings and roads can be designed to limit noise. Conditions can also be placed on planning permissions to control noise from pubs, clubs and restaurants, by restricting their opening hours.

When considering an application for planning permission, planning authorities need to consider the noise implications of development. Scottish Executive Development Department Circular 10/1999 Planning and Noise and the accompanying Planning Advice Note 56: Planning and Noise, provide guidance and advice on how noise issues should be handled by planning authorities. These documents are available by contacting the Scottish Executive Development Department (address at back of booklet). They are also available on the Internet ( www.scotland.gov.uk/planning).

If you are concerned about the noise implications of a proposed development you should write to the local Planning Officer and explain your concerns. These will be taken into account by the local authority when they determine the application.

You should also contact your local planning officer if you suspect that conditions attached to a previous approval to control noise are being breached.

Noise from pubs, clubs, etc can also be controlled by conditions contained in licenses issued by local authorities. Licenses may restrict opening hours, and place noise limits on music, for example.

Further general advice on the planning system in Scotland is available in "A guide to the Planning System in Scotland", available by contacting the Scottish Executive Development Department. It is also available on the Internet (www.scotland.gov.uk/planning).

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Page updated: Wednesday, August 11, 2004