National planning policy is set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2024). Key references to noise are in paragraph 198. The text makes it clear that planning decisions should make sure that new development is appropriate for its location. It should take into consideration the likely effects (including cumulative effects) of pollution on health, living conditions and the natural environment. This document is supplemented by Planning Practice Guidance on Noise 2019.
The Bracknell Forest Local Plan (BFLP) was adopted in March 2024. It sets out the vision and strategy for the borough until 2037. It is divided into two parts.
Part 1 contains strategic policies and sets out where new jobs, homes and services will be located. It highlights what matters need to be considered when developing allocated sites, including noise.
Part 2 covers development management policies such as making sure we have high quality design and environmental sustainability. It considers matters such as pollution, including noise.
The BFLP is consistent with national policy requirements.
Noise is an issue linked to many different topics covered in the BFLP. It is specifically mentioned in several policies and/or the supporting text, as set out below.
Site allocation policies where noise is referenced are:
- LP6 ‘Land at Beaufort Park, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell (BRA4)’ criterion xiv.
- LP7 ‘Land east of Wokingham Road and south of Dukes Ride (Derby Field), Crowthorne (SAND5)’ criterion xiii
- LP8 ‘The Peel Centre and The Point, Skimped Hill Lane, Bracknell (BRA18)’ criterion xiv
- LP9 ‘Eastern Gateway Development Area (Town Square), Bracknell (BRA7)’ criterion xiii
- LP10 ‘Southern Gateway Development Area, Bracknell (BRA14, BRA15 and BRA17) criterion xv.
- LP12 ‘Land previously reserved for Park and Ride, Peacock Farm, Binfield’.
- LP15 ‘Land south of London Road (Eastern Field), Binfield’
- Policies covering specific geographic areas or topics that refer to noise:
- LP3 ‘Sustainable development principles’ – the supporting text in para. 5.36 bullet 8 discusses pollution including noise.
- LP19 ‘Employment development outside designated Employment Areas in defined settlements’ – criterion 1
- LP27 ‘Climate change’ – criterion 1x
- LP43 ‘Development proposals in centres’ – criterion 1ii
- LP45 ‘Play, open space and sports provision’ – supporting text paragraph 14.26 refers to noise and traffic problems.
- LP49 ‘Equestrian uses’ – criterion 1iv
- LP58 ‘Pollution and hazards’
- Polices that refer to, or require consideration of, residential amenity (which could include noise):
- LP18 ‘Definition and protection of existing designated Employment Areas’ - criterion 4v
- LP35 ‘Development in the countryside’ –criterion 2iiig
- LP39 ‘Specialist housing’ – criterion 1ii
- LP41 ‘Gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople’ – criterion 1ii. amenity and criterion 1vi. good living conditions. Supporting text paragraph 12.32 refers to noise pollution.
- LP42 ‘Smaller businesses’ – criterion 1ii
- LP50 ‘Design’ – criterion 1vi
- LP56 ‘Renewable and low carbon energy’ – criterion 1i
The references above demonstrate the council’s wish to take a comprehensive approach to the need to take noise into account. This includes development that has the potential to create additional noise and development that may be sensitive to the prevailing acoustic environment.
There is therefore a need to be clear about what information applicants are expected to provide and how noise-related matters will be considered during the planning process.