Environmental Quality

10.20 While many elements of pollution control are outside of the remit of the planning system it is important that new development should not lead to unacceptable levels of pollution. If, as a result of consultation with other bodies, the Borough Council considers that a development proposal would lead to unacceptable pollution, or make an existing problem worse, then planning permission will not be granted. Where development is permitted conditions will be attached to the approval to minimise any potential pollution levels.

10.21 Air quality and light pollution are two issues which have received growing attention in recent years. The Borough Council is required to carry out a review and assessment of air quality in St Edmundsbury and to prepare a local air quality strategy. The Borough Council will ensure that the proposals in this Local Plan are closely linked to and complement the air quality strategy. The use and power of outdoor lights has increased considerably in recent years, which has resulted in the artificial lighting of the night sky (“skyglow”). The Borough Council will prepare Planning Guidance on lighting and expect development proposals to accord with its advice.

10.22 Noise in the borough is created mainly by transport movements, aircraft and industrial, commercial and recreational activities. The Borough Council will apply the land use planning system to ensure that:

• new noise generating activities are located to avoid adverse impact on other uses; and
• noise sensitive development such as housing, schools and hospitals, is, where possible, not directed to areas already affected by existing noise sources.

10.23 Where necessary the Borough Council will require applicants to include information about the noise impact of a development or the expected effect of an existing noise source upon the development proposed. Environmental impact assessments may be required to be undertaken in accordance with legislation.

POLICY NE5: ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Development will not be permitted where it would have an adverse affect on the natural environment, the landscape or amenity due to the contamination of land, air, water or light;

Development which would result in the emission of non-pollutant glare or light spillage above the horizontal will not be permitted.

Noise generating development will not be permitted if it would adversely affect the users of existing or proposed noise-sensitive development.

Noise sensitive development will not be permitted if its users would be affected by noise from existing or proposed noise-generating uses unless adequate mitigation works can be implemented.

Note: A full assessment of the risk levels will be required as part of any planning application.

The local planning authority will, where appropriate, use conditions or legal obligations to secure pollution control measures and/or mitigation works.

Proposals should take into account guidance provided by Floodlighting Planning Guidance and any subsequent replacement Supplementary Planning Document.

10.24 Safeguarding from hazards: The Health and Safety Executive and the Borough Council have responsibility for ensuring that adequate safeguarding is provided to protect members of the public from hazardous substances, contaminated land and other dangerous areas. Advice will be sought where appropriate about any planning application that might affect a known hazard or might create a new hazard. The aim is to provide a safe and healthy environment for those who live and work in St Edmundsbury.

POLICY NE6: SAFEGUARDING FROM HAZARDS

Development will not be permitted where there is an unacceptable risk:

• a) Due to siting on known or suspected unstable land;
  b) Due to siting on contaminated land which is unsuitable for the use proposed; or
  c) Due to the storage or use of hazardous substances.

Note: A full assessment of the risk levels will be required as part of any application.

In appropriate cases, the local planning authority may impose planning conditions or through a legal obligation secure remedial works and or monitoring processes.