New road or railway development

In general where a new road or railway development is proposed, including significant changes to an existing line, an environmental statement will be produced by the developer which will include noise impact. Assuming the development proceeds through the planning system a noise impact assessment will be undertaken.

This assessment will identify those properties which are affected by noise above a certain level stipulated by the Noise Insulation Regulations; part of the Land Compensation Act 1973. Mandatory grants for acoustic glazing and mechanical ventilation are then available to mitigate noise generated by the development.

See also the science of noise and noise terminology