- All developments will be expected to demonstrate compliance with the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
- Light impact assessments may be required as part of application submissions. Development involving floodlighting or other significant external lighting will only be permitted where the proposed lighting is the minimum necessary for its purpose and measures to screen lighting installations from view will reduce any detrimental effect on:
- residential amenities or the users of commercial or other premises;
- areas of nature conservation interest;
- the night-time environment of the countryside
- the visibility of the night sky; or
- users of nearby highways or flightpaths through dazzling or distraction.
- The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) 2017 Regulations (formerly known as the WFD)50 require improvements in the management of water quality and water resources through River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs). Water pollution can also affect the supply of water for leisure, industrial and agricultural uses and have a harmful impact upon riverside habitats. The council will work with the Environment Agency to restrict development which may threaten the quality of either ground or surface water. Government guidance on water supply, wastewater and water quality should be followed.
- Odour and fumes from commercial development can have an adverse impact on the amenity of surrounding residents. In particular the siting of flues needs to consider the impact on amenity and design. Best practice guidance should be followed.
- Persistent and intermittent noise from a range of sources including transport, mechanical plant, construction and congregations of people can undermine quality of life. The council will take into account noise considerations when assessing development proposals. In accordance with the Agent of Change principle as set out in the NPPF and Planning Practice Guidance, the council will also take account of existing noise-generating land uses in a sensitive manner when new development, particularly residential, is proposed nearby. Agent of Change places the responsibility for mitigating the impact of noise firmly on the design of the new development. This also applies to new noise generating development. Consistency with the Professional Practice Guidance PPG on Planning and Noise (May 2017)51 as a reference source for understanding noise and identifying best practice will be an important material consideration. The council will require Noise Impact Assessments for developments likely to generate or be exposed to significant noise.
50 See www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/407/contents/made51 See www.ioa.org.uk/sites/default/files/14720%20ProPG%20Main%20Document.pdf