The basic content of this page was published in its current form on 16 November 2022. The more recent publication date (11 July 2023) was purely for changes to assist with accessibility.

Following our review of comments made by local residents about the construction of an acoustic fence at Franklin Park, our Environmental Health team commissioned an independent noise consultant to carry out a noise impact assessment.

Executive Summary

MAS noise consultants have completed a noise report, focussing any potential impacts emerging from the new noise barrier erected on the edge of Franklin Park adjacent to the A1(M). 

In summary, the assessment by MAS indicates that the sound barrier results in a 1.1 decibel increase. However, this increase is deemed small, inconsequential and below the threshold of any perceived change in sound level. Meaning that the slight change in pitch of the sound should mean that screened gardens are unaffected and equally inside houses the noise should be no more noticeable.

The consultant applied alternative modelling software which also indicated some changes in noise pitch. These changes are judged to be minimal and within acceptable limits but are likely to be noticeable to those who have lived with the particular pitch spectrum of the traffic noise prior to the erection of the new noise barrier.

Human perception in a case such as this is likely to be of an increase in noise, partly as the sound level has increased slightly in a few locations but largely because of a change in the nature and character of the sound which will be perceived as noisier until receptors have sub-consciously adjusted and become de-sensitised to it.

You can see the results of this assessment by downloading the documents below

Background

Developers Taylor Wimpey submitted a planning application (application reference: 19/00123/FPM) to Stevenage Borough Council for 133 homes, with a children’s play area, green open space and access routes on land west of the A1(M) and to the south of Stevenage Road.

The planning application was received by the council on 26 February 2019, with a wider public consultation of the application in accordance with Planning Regulations. Following the determination of the application at the Council’s Planning and Development Committee, the application was granted permission by the council on 25 September 2020.

As part of this permission, the following is provided by the developer:

• Maintenance to Fishers Green Common;
• The use of trees and plants from UK nurseries;
• Ongoing maintenance of the play areas;
• The provision of GP services;
• 30% affordable housing;
• A contribution towards Sustainable Transport and Infrastructure.

Most planning permissions are subject to a number of conditions to be met by the developer. As part of this permission, the Franklin Park development included a condition for details to be submitted to mitigate noise generated from the A1(M) for the future residents of this development, as the development is close to the road, and as required by planning regulations. The mitigation measures included the provision of an acoustic fence along the eastern side. The details submitted in relation to the acoustic fence were found to be acceptable by the Council’s Planning Department.

However, since the construction of the acoustic fence has commenced, a number of residents have lodged formal complaints to the Council and Ward Councillors with respect to this and the impact this is having on local residents. The Council is taking these concerns seriously and is taking steps to address these.

Development Timeline

Download a copy of the planning timeline below

Franklin Park, Todds Green – noise monitoring exercise August 2023

Following the noise modelling exercise undertaken in 2022, site observations and measurements were conducted on 21 August 2023 to determine whether any measured change in the noise environment could be the result of reflection from the A1M noise barrier next to the Franklin Park development. The report of the findings and a short summary of it can be found using these links.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the building of homes allowed next to a major road with noise?

The council established that the principle of residential development in close proximity to the A1(M) was acceptable in planning terms. However, this permission had a number of conditions, one of which required mitigation for protecting the homes within the new development from road traffic noise. This condition did not specifically require an assessment on reflective noise and the impact any mitigation measures could have on existing residents.

Who approved the applications relating to this scheme?

Planning applications can be determined in one of two ways, depending on the size and nature of the application. The first is through the Planning & Development Committee, and the second through Delegated Powers given to officers. Both instances were used in this planning determination.

The application was first heard and determined by the Planning & Development Committee at Stevenage Borough Council on 25 September 2020. This meeting approved the development, although attached conditions that needed to be addressed at a later date.

The Council subsequently received a number of applications by the developer which dealt with the relevant conditions attached to the planning permission. This included applications relating to noise mitigation. These applications are as follows:

The Council subsequently received a number of applications by the developer which dealt with the relevant conditions attached to the planning permission. This included applications relating to noise mitigation. These applications can be found by searching the Public Access Planning Portal (via the button above), using the application numbers below:

• Application 21/00805/COND (Discharge of condition 7 – Noise Impact Assessment);
• Application 21/00806/COND (Discharge of condition 4 – Boundary Treatment).

As per the Council's Constitution and Scheme of Delegation, the Assistant Director of Planning and Regulations has delegated powers to the Planning Department to issue certain decisions, such as the discharge of condition applications linked with an approved scheme. The Development Manager and the Principal Planning Officers within the Council's Planning Department have been authorized to make specific planning decisions, including the discharge of condition applications.

The applications for discharging conditions, particularly in regard to the building of an acoustic fence, were assessed and decided upon by officers with delegated powers, rather than members of the Planning and Development Committee.

Was the visual impact of the acoustic fence properly considered?

Officers considered the visual impact of the proposed acoustic fence as detailed in the Case Officers delegated report (a copy of the report is available under the reference numbers 21/00805/COND and 21/00806/COND).

According to the report, although the fence would be tall, it is not unusual for acoustic fences of this size to be built along residential developments next to busy motorways and dual carriageways. There is a similar example to the west of the development on Minehead Way.

Was the impact of noise properly considered?

A condition of the planning permission was that the development required sound mitigation. As required, the developer provided a solution with evidence to support this. According to the Planning Department's professional judgment, the acoustic fence is deemed acceptable. With the fence installed, noise from sources like the A1(M) will be reduced. In addition, the Planning Department were not advised of any issues or concerns relating to reflective sound.

The Environmental Health Department was consulted on the condition. The role of the Environmental Health Department is to advise the Planning Department as to whether the proposed measures could be expected to mitigate the impact of noise from wider sources. A final decision to discharge a condition rests with the Planning Department.

The Environmental Health Department has suggested that the noise mitigation condition has not been fulfilled, as more information is required. This has raised concerns about the proposal for the acoustic fence and its height. However, their correspondence did not stipulate the need for an additional assessment or modelling to be undertaken in regard to reflective noise or ground effects of the screening.

A further noise assessment is now being undertaken by the council.

Who was consulted on the acoustic fence and were residents notified?

As part of the application process to consider the proposed fence, Officers consulted:

• National Highways (Highways England);
• Hertfordshire County Council as Highways Authority;
• UK Power Networks; and
• The Council’s Environmental Health Department.

There were no comments from UK Power Networks and Hertfordshire County Council and National Highways raised no concerns with the acoustic fence.

There is no statutory requirement under Planning Legislation and Law to consult residents on discharge of conditions applications. However, the council are required to publish these on the website and in the Council’s weekly list of planning applications. Subsequently these were published and available to be viewed, and remain publicly available documents.

What steps are being taken to address concerns?

Officers are liaising directly with Taylor Wimpey and National Highways (Highways England) to explore options of mitigating the visual impact of the fence. However, this will take time as consideration has to be given as to the maintenance of the fence, along with ensuring any measures do not impact on the safe operation of the A1(M). We will keep residents updated via this page.

Officers have been discussing the noise impacts directly with Taylor Wimpey, who have provided a copy of a Technical Note from their appointed acoustician regarding reflective noise. This note concluded that any reflected noise received by the properties to the east of the A1(M) would be imperceptible. However, officers have appointed an independent consultant to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the erected fence in relation to reflective sound. In addition, as part of their instruction, they will also review the Technical Note issued by Taylor Wimpey and provide an update in due course.

Contact us

Should you have any queries, please email planning@stevenage.gov.uk.

If you wish to make a comment, this can be done through our website: Compliments and Complaints.