Policy CR12
Noise and vibration
Noise and vibration impacts of development will be controlled by implementing the following measures:
a) noise and vibration sensitive development should be located in the most appropriate locations and protected against existing and proposed sources of noise and vibration through careful design, layout and use of materials, and by ensuring adequate insulation of the building envelope and internal walls, floors and ceilings as well as protecting external amenity areas
b) require the submission of a Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment where uses sensitive to noise and vibration are proposed close to an existing source of noise, or when development is likely to generate noise
c) require developments that are sensitive to noise and vibration to mitigate the impact of, and protect occupiers against, existing sources of noise and vibration in accordance with the 'Agent of Change' principle
d) noise generating development will not be permitted, if it would be liable to materially increase the noise experienced by the occupants/users of existing or proposed noise sensitive uses in the vicinity
e) support retrofitting measures to existing noise and vibration generating sources, and uses sensitive to noise and vibration, to minimise the impact of noise and vibration on occupiers
f) seek to minimise the impact on local amenity from deliveries and from the demolition and construction phases of development.
5.110 The dominant sources of noise in Hammersmith and Fulham are road and rail traffic, construction (including DIY), noisy neighbours, pubs/clubs and other entertainment venues, pavement cafés/outdoor seating and noisy building services, plant and equipment. Aircraft and helicopter noise is also a concern in parts of the borough.
Noise sensitive uses
5.111 Noise and associated vibration can affect and have a direct impact on noise sensitive uses, particularly housing, but also other sensitive uses such as schools and hospitals and impact upon people's health and wellbeing. Some areas of the borough are subject to significant noise disturbance. Existing and potential noise levels will be taken into account when assessing a proposal for residential development. Noise levels both inside the dwelling and in external amenity spaces will be considered. The council will therefore require a careful assessment of likely noise levels before determining planning applications.
Noise and vibration impact assessment
5.112 Any proposal (including new development, conversion, extension, change of use) for a noise generating development close to dwellings or other noise sensitive uses will be assessed to determine the impact of the proposed development in relation to these existing uses. In this borough, noise generating activities that cause particular problems tend to be late closing entertainment and food and drink establishments. Also, an issue is noise disturbance in existing buildings where sound insulation is inadequate. Proposals for conversions and change of use should minimise noise disturbance from adjoining uses by improving sound insulation and the arrangement of rooms, such as stacking/locating rooms of similar uses above/adjacent to each other.
5.113 Issues of noise and nuisance are considered on a site-by-site basis having regard to the proposal, site context and surrounding uses in the context of related policies and guidelines.