The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

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The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy Mayor of London 155 A review of the provision of boatyard facilities in London will also be carried out. The London Plan recognises that opportunities for new freight facilities on London’s canals will be limited, but should be encouraged where they occur. 4D.12 Operational wharves and boatyards are vital to the future of working waterways. Water transport is in principle a highly ‘noise efficient’ mode. However, noise cannot be eliminated entirely from the operation of working waterways. Codes of practice can and should be followed to minimise noise from operations at wharves and boatyards. Unnecessary industrial noise, particularly that which has a tonal quality, low frequency noise, and annoying impulsive noise, should be minimised at source. However, hours of operation may need to relate to the tidal cycle, rather than a regular working day. The role of the Thames as a working river can be threatened, not just by direct replacement of wharves and boatyards by other uses, but by the change of use of buildings and land next to them to noise-sensitive uses. The use of nuisance legislation by occupants of new housing can result in the continued viability of operations being undermined, despite benefits for sustainable development. Local planning authorities should ensure that any new noise-sensitive uses near safeguarded as well as operating wharves and boatyards are so designed as to protect users adequately from noise inseparable from a working waterway. Local planning authorities should consult the London Port Health Authority on relevant planning applications. Policy 4C.15 of the London Plan states that development next to or opposite safeguarded wharves should be designed to minimise the potential for conflicts of use and disturbance. policy 60 The Mayor will urge boroughs, the Port of London Authority, British Waterways and other relevant agencies, as far as reasonably practicable and cost-effective in the context of a working river, to avoid, contain or minimise noise from or associated with the water space, recognising that some sounds can make positive contributions to water space character. Boroughs should pay particular regard to the viability of established waterside infrastructure, canal sites identified by British Waterways as having future potential, safeguarded wharves and boatyards when giving permission for noise-sensitive uses next to, nearby, or opposite. Planning briefs, conditions, agreements or other mechanisms should be used to protect incomers, including through contributions to noise reduction at source. Water and waterside soundscape quality 4D.13 Many parts of London’s rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs are among its most valued sources of tranquillity, though busy and vibrant sections may also be valued for their particular character. Their importance for wildlife,
156 Mayor of London The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy recognised in the Mayor’s Biodiversity Strategy, is reflected in the counterpoint to urban noise offered by natural sounds. Sensitive soundscape management can help people experience being on the edge of the wild in the heart of the urban. Diversity and distinctiveness can also include local human-made ‘soundmarks’, such as weirs or other active water. Canal towpaths and routes along London’s rivers are used extensively as walking and cycling routes. They are key leisure, sport and recreation resources for Londoners and visitors, and can be further explored in terms of their changing sound environments (see glossary under ‘soundscape’). The Thames Path from the source to the Thames Barrier provides many places for tranquil enjoyment, including where people can gain access to the foreshore. Watersides are typically places where people have a reasonable expectation of relative quiet. Craft on residential moorings may provide their occupants with less physical protection from road, rail, helicopter or other aircraft noise than do conventional dwellings. 4D.14 It is important that future planning, design and operation on and around London’s water spaces protect tranquillity as far as possible. Many London water spaces may not be especially quiet in absolute terms, compared with those outside the city. However, their relative tranquillity may be no less valued by people. British Waterways often requests that a noise assessment is conducted to establish existing noise levels along the towing path, and to predict the noise effect of proposed development on the waterway environment. 6 Noise mapping can provide a useful framework. However, it is also important, particularly in the water space context, to consider features of positive soundscape interest or identity. 7 Qualitative analysis can provide opportunities for popular engagement. ‘Areas of Relative Tranquillity or Special Soundscape Interest’ are not, at this stage, included in the London Plan, but exploration of the potential role of such a designation is encouraged (see also paragraph 4F.29 and Policy 78 below). 4D.15 Given the London Plan’s encouragement to more sport and leisure use of London’s Blue Ribbon Network, as well as freight and passenger transport, tensions between demands for active and tranquil uses need to be addressed in design and management. The level of noise and its local impact need to be assessed to determine whether a noise management plan is appropriate. Soundscape management, by space and time, could be among the issues considered in Thames Policy Area appraisals (as proposed in the London Plan, Policy 4C.26), and in management plans of river and canal authorities.
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