Presentation Transcript

1. Calow Gas Extraction

   Noise
2. Quiet rural noise climate
3. Gas Extraction Noise Sources Site Preparation - “4-5 weeks” Groundworks, JCB, HGV Drilling & Exploration phase – “4-6 weeks” 24/7 Drilling, Flare stack, HGV Construction phase – time period not known Groundworks, Site plant & equipment, HGV Operational phase – 15 years 24/7 Generators, cooling plant, pumps, HGV
4. Example noise levels
5. Site Layout Drilling Phase Operational Phase
6. ‘Rule of thumb’ sound transmission = 6dB per doubling of distanceCan compare with existing background noise
7. Noise Criteria NPPF & NPSE NPPF gives criteria for mineral extraction Further to discussion with NEDDC EHO Alkane have agreed following; Noise levels of 27dBA at night and 33dBA during day are representative of the existing climate and new noise should not increase this by 2dB(A) Construction, testing, & flaring, 0800-1800 = 70dB LAeq,1hr Drilling, at night = 42dB LAeq,1hr Daytime = 44dB LAeq,1hr
8. The National Planning Policy Framework The introduction to the National Planning Policy Framework states: The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Governments planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied, only to the extent that it is relevant, proportionate and necessary to do so. It provides a framework within which local people and their accountable councils can produce their own distinctive local and neighbourhood plans, which reflect the needs and priorities of their communities. Under the heading of Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment, noise aims are detailed at s.123, which states that: Planning policies and decisions should aim to: avoid noise from giving rise to significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life as a result of new development; mitigate and reduce to a minimum other adverse impacts on health and quality of life arising from noise from new development, including through the use of conditions; recognise that development will often create some noise and existing businesses wanting to develop in continuance of their business should not have unreasonable restrictions put on them because of changes in nearby land uses since they were established; and identify and protect areas of tranquillity which have remained relatively undisturbed by noise and are prized for their recreational and amenity value for this reason.
9. Further NPPF aims related to noise include: Clause 109 The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by: preventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability; Clause 111 Planning policies and decisions should encourage the effective use of land by re-using land that has been previously developed (brownfield land), provided that it is not of high environmental value. To prevent unacceptable risks from pollution and land instability, planning policies and decisions should ensure that new development is appropriate for its location. The effects (including cumulative effects) of pollution on health, the natural environment or general amenity, and the potential sensitivity of the area or proposed development to adverse effects from pollution, should be taken into account. Sustainable Development At the heart of the National Planning Policy Framework is a presumption in favour of sustainable development, which is seen as a golden thread running through both plan making and decision making. This will mean that local plans should meet objectively assessed needs with sufficient flexibility to adapt to rapid change, unless adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in this framework taken as a whole. Where the development plan is absent, silent or relevant policies are out-of-date, permission should be granted unless any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in this framework taken as a whole It can be seen that the NPPF is consistent with the move towards localism, placing local policy at the heart of noise management in new development.
10. Noise Policy Statement for England NPPF affirms that National Policy Statements form part of the overall framework of national planning policy, and should be a material consideration in decisions on planning applications. The Noise Policy Statement for England  came into force  in 2010 and states: The aim of this document is to provide clarity regarding current policies and practices to enable noise management decisions to be made within the wider context, at the most appropriate level, in a cost-effective manner and in a timely fashion. This Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE) should apply to all forms of noise including environmental noise, neighbour noise and neighbourhood noise. The NPSE does not apply to noise in the workplace (occupational noise). Noise Policy Vision Promote good health and a good quality of life through the effective management of noise within the context of Government policy on sustainable development. Noise Policy Aims Through the effective management and control of environmental, neighbour and neighbourhood noise within the context of Government policy on sustainable development: avoid significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life; mitigate and minimise adverse impacts on health and quality of life; and where possible, contribute to the improvement of health and quality of life. The NPPF noise aims widely reflect those in NPSE.
11. National Planning Practice Guidance Aug 2013
12. Noise Impact Sleep disturbance & health/anxiety Enjoyment of gardens Wildlife Background creep Change in existing environment