The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy Mayor of London 187
balanced with other concerns, such as community safety, would help to
minimise noise in compact urban environments. Tensions exist between
the use of open spaces and parts of the public realm for quiet relaxation
or contemplation, and more active leisure pursuits. Informal games,
organised sports, and events, such as open air concerts can generate
considerable noise. Reducing the impact of traffic noise, combined with
climate and social changes, could mean more people enjoying more time
outdoors in public spaces. The new sounds of crowds may not be what
residents first expect. A fair balance between competing uses needs to be
struck, recognising the need for attractive areas for children’s play, both
formal and informal, and other access for local communities. This may be
best achieved through community consultation and responsive
management. Neighbourhood and parks wardens could make valuable
contributions to resolving local conflicts. Sound-conscious design can
help. Location and design should provide for noisier and quieter activities
in ways which reduce potential conflict, such as by using the screening
provided by changes in level or structures.
Box 56: Access to tranquillity and soundscape interest
■ Many of London’s smaller households may not in future want private
gardens. However, they may want relatively quiet outdoor areas within
walking distance. High density development can provide ‘pocket’ open
spaces of high quality.
■ Longer distance ‘access to tranquillity’ should also be considered.
‘Community Forests’, such as at Thames Chase, and wildlife sites may
offer tranquil paths and glades, or provide relief even where full public
access may not be available.
■ Features which can make a distinctive contribution to soundscape
quality need to be explored.
■ Provision for noisy recreational activities needs be considered on both
a local and a wider basis.
■ Development of noise mapping and other noise data provide
opportunities to assess the costs and benefits of ‘access to quiet’. The
European Directive (2002/49/EC) requirement for reporting noise
exposure at a 4 metre receptor height should not preclude the use of
lower receptor heights, such as 1.5 metres, for assessing noise in open
spaces, although the accuracy of current noise mapping models at this
height may be lower.