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Written question asked by Cameron Thomas (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 September 2025. It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 September 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Housing: Construction

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that new housing developments incorporate measures to reduce noise pollution.

Answer

The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should contribute to, and enhance, the natural and local environment by preventing new and existing development from contributing to, being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by, unacceptable levels of noise pollution.

New development should be appropriate for its location taking into account the likely effects (including cumulative effects) of pollution on health, living conditions and the natural environment, as well as the potential sensitivity of the site to the wider area.

Guidance sets out further detail on how new housing developments can incorporate measures to mitigate noise pollution, including the use of engineering, layout and planning conditions.

It is for local authorities to assess excessive noise in a neighbourhood. Local authorities have a range of powers available to them to assess nuisance such as in cases where there is excessive noise from residential and commercial properties. These are set out in various pieces of legislation, including the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Noise Act 1996.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
70258
Session
2024-26
Related items
Planning: Data Centres
Monday, 20 July 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Construction Housing Pollution Noise
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk