Noise
Hertfordshire one of least tranquil counties in UK but the sources of noise are more worrying
Noise has a variety of definitions but is referred to here as unwanted sound. Often accompanied by intrusive vibration, its effects vary according to those exposed to it. Noise ranges from discomfort and annoyance to more damaging psychological and physical conditions such as fatigue, headaches, nausea or disturbed sleep.
New buildings and infrastructure, growing traffic, expanding roads, more flights and runways will further impact on our quality of life. With this in mind, results from a CPRE1 study supplements the usual indicators reported to recognise the contribution that tranquillity makes to our lives in Hertfordshire.
Indicator NO1 - Noise complaints received per 1000 population
Noise complaints received by a local authority do not necessarily represent a statutory nuisance and what amounts to a noise worth complaining about will depend upon a particular person and the circumstances at the time of the incident. The source of a noise, its duration, loudness, frequency and unpredictable occurrence, can all determine whether a formal complaint is made to an authority and if it is included in these indicator results.
Noise complaints received by Hertfordshire districts/boroughs in 2004/5 per 1000 population
Source: Results collated by Hertfordshire County Council FPU Environment Department - from individual councils, Nov 2006
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Results collected from the county's local authorities2 show that in 2004/5 the number of noise complaints per 1000 population was similar to 2003/4. Around 5.7 made complaints across the county, compared with 5.6 in 2003/04. Given the county's high population density, compared with other areas in England and Wales, it is perhaps surprising that yearly complaints remain below the national average of ~7.5. This could be a reflection of residents having become used to the noise in their surroundings.
Indicator NO2 - Source of complaints
This indicator showed a similar trend for the county3 in 2004/05 as 2003/4. Generally, the main source of noise complaints were from the Domestic category, with Commercial/leisure and Construction/demolition contributing greatly. Whilst the Vehicles/Machinery/ Equipment In The Streets category declined, this may be due to omission of individual transport categories and other subtle recording changes. Next year noise data will be collected by local authorities for the CIEH3 and will be more comprehensive.
Source: Hertfordshire County Council, Nov 2006
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Indicator NO3 - Complaints from aircraft noise
Whilst the major civil airports of Luton and Stansted lie just outside the County's borders, with Heathrow further to the south, the impact of aircraft noise is an important issue to many of its residents particularly with the increasing number of flights and proposed developments4.
Noise from civil aircraft is monitored by the airports themselves. Complaints recorded for the period October 2005 to September 2006 were 1527 for London Luton compared with 627 in 2004/05 and 3641 from London Stansted, compared to 3063 in 2004/05. These figures are the total number of complaints to each airport. Increases are partly due to good weather during the summer which changes aircraft routing patterns over parts of the county. With good weather, people are also more likely to be outdoors and therefore more likely to notice flights.
Complaints from Hertfordshire residents were 977 for London Luton and 1534 for London Stansted during the period. These figures, however, can be a misleading measure of disturbance from aircraft noise. This is because many people do not complain about events which they feel powerless to influence and on other occasions concerns over airport development and specific campaigns can boost complaint numbers.
In December 2003 the Department of Transport announced that Luton and Stansted airports should undergo significant expansion. This has resulted in proposals being produced by the airports for consultation and a planning application for Stansted. The proposals will increase the size and number of aircraft flying over the county and are likely to raise levels of aircraft noise and therefore the number of related complaints. There will also be proposals to change aircraft routes to raise the capacity of available airspace. These are expected to reach a consultation stage in February 2007.
Airport expansion will not only increase aircraft noise, but will also have other environmental impacts on air quality and road congestion. Whilst these issues are considered through consultation and planning, the future of air travel and the contribution it makes to global warming is more worrying. It is shaped by our own demand for which we must take responsibility.
Expansion at Luton and Stansted airports will increase the size and number of aircraft fl ying over the county and likely complaints
Tranquillity in Hertfordshire
CPRE's tranquillity campaign in October 2006 was backed by research and mapped perceptions of tranquillity in the UK. It aimed to raise awareness of tranquillity, its importance to wellbeing and the threats to its continued existence. Described as one 'of the most sought after, hard to pin down ingredients of a good quality of life', the campaign followed a 2001 government survey when 80% of people visiting the countryside for pleasure cited tranquillity as its most positive feature and the reason for visiting. Constant noise from traffic, hearing/ seeing lots of people, light pollution and urban development portrayed the antithesis of tranquillity.
Tranquility mapped for the East of England Tranquility Survey 2006
Source: CPRE Tranquillity Survey 2006 Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Hertfordshire has a wealth of 'countryside'5, people may be surprised to find it was one of the least tranquil counties in the UK (after Surrey and Cheshire) even though over 80% of its land is rural. This study, however, does include visual elements, such as pylons and light pollution as negatively impacting on tranquillity but these do not reflect how aurally noisy the county is in comparison. Nevertheless, tranquillity does enhance our health and wellbeing so it is now more important that ever that we protect and appreciate our county's natural assets and heritage.
1) Details of the Tranquillity Survey, conducted by the Campaign for the
Protection of Rural England can be viewed at: www.cpre.org.uk
2) Note: North Herts Data is excluded from results as it was unavailable
3) Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
4) See www.hertsdirect.org/airports for latest news
5) See Land Use section for confirmation of figures.