Planning Policy Guidance Note 24 (PPG24)

Planning Policy Guidance Document 24 "Planning and Noise" issued in July 1994 is commonly known as PPG24.

PPG24 gives guidance to local authorities in England for minimising the adverse impacts of noise. It identifies that noise can be a characteristic of development: "Much of the development which is necessary for the creation of jobs and the construction and improvement of essential infrastructure will generate noise." It adds: "The planning system should not place unjustifiable obstacles in the way of such development."

The note identifies that: "Noise characteristics and levels can vary substantially according to their source and type of activity, in addition to noise from aircraft landing and take-off, noise from aerodromes is likely to include activities such as engine testing as well as ground movements."

The guidance suggests that: "Local planning authorities consider carefully in each case whether proposals for new noise-sensitive development would be incompatible with existing activities." In addition, the note proposes that: "Local planning authorities should consider both the likely level of noise exposure at the time of the application and any increase that may reasonably be expected in the foreseeable future."

The guidance note highlights the need to balance the impact of noise-sensitive development with appropriate control measures recognising that: "There will be circumstances when it is acceptable – or even desirable in order to meet other planning objectives – to allow noise-generating activities on land near or adjoining a noise-sensitive development."