The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy Mayor of London 37
between groups, but overall, such groups are probably more likely to live
in noisy environments, because of their lower incomes and therefore lack
of choice about where they live. The unemployment rate in London in
2001 was over 20% for Bangladeshis, over 17% for the population
categorized in the ‘Other Black’ group, 16% for Black Africans, over 12%
for Black Caribbeans and 12% for Pakistanis. The rate for Indians was
under 6%, not much higher than the White British population (5%). Some
of the more highly noise exposed areas east of Heathrow Airport contain
high proportions of ethnic minority residents. 15 Black and ethnic minority
households have tended to be more concentrated in inner city areas and
poorer housing, where noise levels are likely to be higher. Some minority
ethnic communities may be less likely to make complaints about noise,
because of loss of confidence in administrative systems, lack of familiarity
with them, fear of racial harassment or attacks from noise makers, or a
lack of information in their first language.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
3.21 Refugees and asylum seekers can be especially insecure, vulnerable and
socially excluded. They may be less aware of their rights, and
particularly affected by language barriers. Overcrowded and noisy
conditions can present additional pressures to people who may already
have to cope with considerable pressures. Noisy environments could
hinder language acquisition.
Faith Communities
3.22 High sound levels from places of worship and other spaces used by faith
communities can be the subject of complaints to borough Environmental
Health departments (e.g. bell ringing). Activities of faith groups can also
be affected by noise from others. Information on complaints may not
represent issues with full equality, and issues can require particularly
sensitive handling at the local level.
London’s Travellers and Gypsies
3.23 London continues to attract demand for gypsy and traveller sites, in inner
as well as outer London. Available figures suggest that the number of
authorised sites, both council and private, has decreased in most boroughs
since January 1999. 18 Many sites in London are overcrowded, and probably
noisy, although systematic information is not available. Noise-sensitivity
needs to be considered alongside noise generation issues.
Health
3.24 The constitution of the World Health Organisation defines health as ‘a
state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity.’ Guideline values produced for the