Written question asked by Oliver Heald (Conservative) on Friday, 14 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 November 2003. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 November 2003 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will reduce the maximum noise thresholds in PPG 24 for aircraft noise to below those for other traffic noise sources; if he will set lower maximum traffic noise thresholds for rural areas than for urban areas in PPG 24 when assessing new development areas; if he will remove the 2 to 3 decibel allowance included in PPG 24 for aircraft noise; if he will amend PPG 24 to bring the maximum recommended traffic noise levels for assessing new development areas into line with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation.

Answer: Mr. Heald: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) if he will reduce the maximum noise thresholds in PPG 24 for aircraft noise to below those for other traffic noise sources; [139710] (2) if he will set lower maximum traffic noise thresholds for rural areas than for urban areas in PPG 24 when assessing new development areas; [139711] (3) if he will remove the two to three decibel allowance included in PPG 24 for aircraft noise; [139712] (4) if he will amend PPG 24 to bring the maximum recommended traffic noise levels for assessing new development areas into line with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation. [139713] Keith Hill: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of Planning Policy Guidance Note 24: "Planning and Noise". The review will include a re-assessment of the Noise Exposure Categories (NECs) in the light of the World Health Organisation's guidelines and other recommendations and research. With regards to traffic noise thresholds for rural areas as compared with urban areas, the existing guidance already contains provision for local authorities, where appropriate, to vary the recommended levels contained in the NEC tables by up to three dB(A) (decibels of average weighted sound.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 413 c1089W; 139710;139711;139712;139713
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Aviation Aircraft Planning permission Pollution Noise Road traffic
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk