The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

46 Mayor of London
The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy
Conversely, people can be disturbed by noise from wildlife, such as by
early morning birdsong.
3.44 The barrier effect of deciduous trees on noise levels is modest. A dense
belt of evergreen trees or large shrubs may have a greater impact. Trees
and other vegetation can, however, have a greater effect on subjective
perceptions. Street trees can make a busy thoroughfare feel more liveable.
Noise barriers, such as timber fencing, may be designed in conjunction
with planting to enhance local biodiversity. ‘Living barriers’ can be formed
largely from plants in a growing medium. ‘Soft ground’, including grassland
and cultivated gardens, absorbs sound. Overall, conserving and enhancing
London’s biodiversity would have a positive impact on city soundscapes.
Municipal Waste Management Strategy
3.45 The collection, transfer, treatment and disposal and/or recycling of waste
can generate noise. The amount of municipal waste produced in London
has increased. 2.75 million tonnes of municipal waste were transported
out of London for disposal in 2001/02. Approximately 27 per cent of this
waste was transported by barge on the Thames, 27 per cent by rail and
the remainder by road. The Mayor’s Municipal Waste Management
Strategy aims to reduce the production of municipal waste, and increase
the proportion that is reused and recycled. Many local authorities have
been adopting cleaner vehicles, which are typically also quieter. In some
areas, small electric carts are being used to collect in confined situations.
The Mayor will encourage the use of less polluting vehicles, along with
aiming to deal with waste as close as possible to its place of production.
There is a risk of more noise from more materials handling associated with
some forms of recycling. However, it is believed that this can be managed
acceptably. Transfer sites, processing facilities or recycling plant are
assessed at planning and licensing stage. Measures to minimise the noise
impact of vehicles and collection methods, and of waste management
more widely, are included in Chapters 4A and 4E below.
Culture Strategy
3.46 The Mayor’s Cultural Strategy is underpinned by the principle that all of
London’s cultures play an invaluable and integral part in the capital’s
make-up and prosperity. It demonstrates how and where culture can make
a difference to the lives of Londoners and how important it is to the
success of London as a world city. It addresses policies relating to the arts,
tourism and sport, including ancient monuments, buildings of historical or
architectural interest, museums and galleries, library services, broadcasting
and film production, parks and open spaces, design, fashion and other
creative industries.