The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy Mayor of London 39
Framework, and the appraisal findings have been taken fully into account in
reviewing the Strategy.
3.28 The NSCA’s National Noise Committee has stated: ‘While noise is
transitory in nature, the effects it has over human health, and the quality
of life and urban environments, are cumulative and so it comes under the
umbrella of sustainable development.’ 21 The creation of infrastructure has
implications for the future pattern of development and activities, and
noise is a factor in their evolution. If cities become too noisy, their long
term vitality may be reduced - lower quality of life in urban and especially
inner city areas, may encourage dispersion and decentralisation of
population and activities, and less sustainable patterns of future
development. Higher densities create challenges, but also opportunities -
for example, more people can gain access to what they need with less
overall transport. Warmer temperatures with climate change are likely to
encourage people to have windows open more and to use outdoor spaces
more, increasing the need for effective urban noise management. The
Mayor has been working with partners to produce Supplementary
Planning Guidance on Sustainable Design and Construction.
3.29 It is easy to create silence by merely banning certain activities. It is much
harder to maintain a city’s vibrancy, while giving people more real choice
over the sounds to which they are exposed. Industrial society increases
our potential to generate noise. However, it also creates opportunities to
develop and apply better technologies, to generate wealth to afford them,
and to share information.
Linkages with the Mayor’s other strategies
3.30 The Greater London Authority Act requires the Mayor to prepare eight
strategies covering transport, economic development, spatial
development, air quality, biodiversity, municipal waste management,
culture, and ambient noise. In addition, an energy strategy has been
produced. The Mayor’s Tourism Action Plan encourages visitors to explore
areas of the city outside the central area, while seeking to improve the
public realm and visitor experiences, and avoid overloading 22 . A strategy
on domestic violence has been published. A London Agenda for Action on
Alcohol includes objectives and priorities to reduce alcohol-related harm.
A Childcare Strategy and a Children and Young People’s Strategy have
been produced. A strategy to tackle anti-social behaviour in London is to
be prepared, with partners. A State of the Environment Report for
London, published in May 2003 23 , includes information on noise.
3.31 Many policies designed to improve London’s soundscapes will have
positive effects on other strategic objectives, and vice versa. For example,