Noise and vibration

Context

Chapter 16 of Volume 2 of the PEIR presents a preliminary assessment of the effects of the Proposed Development due to noise and vibration. Noise associated with the airport is primarily caused by departing and arriving aircraft (referred to as air noise). Assessments of noise and vibration have also been undertaken for construction works and during the operation of the Proposed Development, for example during taxiing and engine running aircraft on the ground, operation of Luton DART and road traffic noise.

To inform the assessment, baseline sound surveys were undertaken at locations surrounding the Proposed Development during the period from 2018 to 2021. This allowed the identification of the nature and character of noise currently experienced by receptors, such as residential properties.

The preliminary assessment identified likely worst-case noise and vibration assessment scenarios during both construction and operation. During operation, this was identified to occur in 2043, when the full capacity of the Proposed Development (32 mppa) is reached. Modelled air noise also accounted for an expected reduction in noise levels, as airlines upgrade their aircraft over time with newer generation aircraft, which are quieter and more efficient.

The UK is also undergoing a redesign of airspace, which is being undertaken concurrently with, but separate to, the Proposed Development. This is expected to allow aircraft from the airport to climb more quickly due to the lifting of constraints imposed on aircraft from neighbouring airports, and therefore would reduce air noise experienced by the surrounding area. Details on how airspace may change at the airport in future are not yet available so any noise benefits that may occur as a result of airspace changes have not been accounted for within the modelling for this PEIR.

Mitigation measures

There are a range of measures already in place that address the noise impact of the airport, including the London Luton Airport Noise Action Plan (LLNAP) 2019-2023. These measures include operational procedures and operational limits to minimise noise from the airport and a noise insulation scheme for properties significantly affected by noise from the airport.

To mitigate the effects of the Proposed Development, a range of additional measures are proposed. These include:

Construction

• the Draft CoCP sets out measures to minimise noise and vibration from construction activities, including the requirement for contractors to use quieter machinery and equipment and construction methods which are not inherently noisy. The measures include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • construction noise and vibration mitigation measures which demonstrate that best practicable means have been adopted;
  • noise and vibration trigger levels against which monitoring would be undertaken;
  • details of works notifications to nearby properties; and
  • details of a complaints procedure.

Operation

• mitigation measures in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation Balanced Approach to Aircraft Noise Management would be adopted to reduce aircraft noise, as far as reasonably practicable. The four key principles of the approach are as set out below; further details of the proposed operational noise management measures are outlined in the Draft Operational Noise Management Plan (see Appendix 16.2 in Volume 3 of the PEIR):
  • reduction of noise at source – reduction of aircraft noise at source relates to improvements in aircraft technology to reduce aircraft noise;
  • use of land use planning and management – preventing new noise sensitive development in areas affected by adverse levels of aircraft noise;
  • noise reducing operational procedures – operational procedures such as continuous descents, continuous climb operations and optimal release of landing gear can help reduce aircraft noise;
  • operating restrictions – limits on aircraft movements during specific periods.
• a ‘noise envelope’ would be adopted through Green Controlled Growth, which is a framework of legally binding and enforceable limits and controls to manage air noise. Noise contour area limits will be set along with thresholds, at which action should be taken to ensure limits are not exceeded. In addition, the existing restrictions on the airport of 9,650 aircraft movements during the night quota period (from 23:30 and 06:00) are proposed to be maintained to limit night-time aircraft noise levels. The noise envelope would give certainty to local communities about the amount of noise which can be expected in the future and to give the airport operator and airlines certainty on how they can use the airport. The noise envelope will also allow the noise benefits of new aircraft technology to be shared between the airport and affected communities;
• properties identified as experiencing a likely significant noise effect due to the Proposed Development and which meet the qualifying criteria would be eligible for noise insulation, such as double or secondary glazing, acoustic thermal insulation and installation of suitable ventilation systems. An existing noise insulation scheme is already offered by the airport operator, however as part of the Proposed Development, the existing noise insulation scheme would be updated. Homeowners would be able to apply to the scheme, following which an initial assessment would be undertaken to confirm the property is eligible and to identify the work that needs to be undertaken. Once this is identified, a pre-approved contractor would undertake the works; and
• the Proposed Development has been designed to reduce aircraft ground noise by providing additional taxiways and improving the use of airfield layout to reduce aircraft taxi time and queueing. An engine run-up bay for engine testing has been located within a specially designed facility with noise screening and further locations for noise barriers to reduce the impact of aircraft ground noise are being reviewed.

Likely significant effects

Construction

For the assessment of noise effects, the concepts of Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) and Significant Observed Adverse Effect Level (SOAEL), as defined in the Noise Policy Statement for England, are used. LOAEL is defined as ‘the level above which adverse effects on health and quality of life can be detected’. SOAEL is defined as ‘the level above which significant adverse effects on health and quality of life occur’.

Noise predictions for construction works and construction traffic movements indicate that SOAEL is unlikely to be exceeded at any of the receptors potentially affected. Furthermore, the assessment of vibration from construction works and traffic indicates that disturbance from vibration is unlikely to occur. Therefore, the assessment concludes that the effects during construction are temporary and not likely to be significant.

Operation

For air noise assessment three scenarios are identified to demonstrate how noise will change in future as a result of the Proposed Development:

• in 2019, representing the existing air noise from the airport. It is acknowledged that the existing planning permission noise contour limits were exceeded in 2019; however, noise contours for 2019 are provided for context to show how noise will change from the last year of normal operation; and
• 2043 is identified as the worst-case year i.e. where Proposed Development noise contours cover the largest area and the difference between the following scenarios is the greatest:
  • without the Proposed Development coming forward (i.e. with the airport operating at the current consented capacity but accounting for a reduction in air noise resulting from the ongoing upgrade of aircraft fleet); and
  • with the increased air traffic as a result of the Proposed Development.

Comparison of the existing air noise modelled for 2019 and the predicted air noise in 2043 shows that overall, even with the Proposed Development, there will be a reduction in the number of people who would experience significant noise effects due to air noise. In total, 600 fewer people will be exposed to noise exceeding the SOAEL threshold during the daytime and 2,300 fewer people during the night-time period. This is due to quieter and more efficient aircraft that will be phased into the fleet.

If the 2043 noise contours with the Proposed Development are compared against the 2043 noise contours without the Proposed Development works coming forward, the difference in noise would be between 1 and 3 dB higher when compared to the scenario without the Proposed Development. It is estimated that 1,100 people will be exposed to significant noise effects during the daytime and 800 people during the night-time period. Households likely to experience significant effects as a result of the difference in air noise are currently eligible for a contribution to insulation under the current noise insulation scheme. Under the draft compensation scheme that would be part of the application for development consent, these properties would qualify for a full sound insulation package for habitable rooms.

With respect to aircraft ground noise, residential properties adjacent to the airport are expected to experience a minor change in noise levels. However, these changes are not likely to be significant.

Minor increases in road traffic are expected on most major routes but not to the extent that they would result in significant adverse effects in terms of road traffic noise exposure. Potential significant adverse effects are possible for residents in the vicinity of Tea Green and Cockernhoe as a result of increased traffic on Stony Lane and Chalk Hill, although absolute road traffic noise levels are expected to remain relatively low. Further modelling and assessment of these effects will be undertaken to develop appropriate mitigation.

Completing the assessment

The assessment will be updated to reflect any amendments to the design of the Proposed Development. The air noise assessment will be updated with terrain data and to provide additional information that will consider how noise from increased aircraft movements will affect communities.

Sensitivity testing of potential reductions in noise that may be provided through airspace design will be undertaken based on the best available information at the time of assessment.

Further modelling of road traffic noise will also be undertaken to identify the need for further mitigation.

Documents

PEIR Chapter 16 : Click Here

Figures

16.1 Air Surface Noise Study Area : Click Here
16.2 Ground Construction Noise Study Areas : Click Here
16.3 Baseline Noise Monitoring Locations : Click Here
16.4 Extent of 2019 Baseline 16h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.5 Extent of 2019 Baseline 8h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.6 Baseline Roadside Traffic Noise LAeq16h : Click Here
16.7 Extent of 2027 DN 16h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.8 Extent of 2027 DN 8h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.9 Extent of 2027 DS 16h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.10 Extent of 2027 DS 8h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.11 Change of 2027 DS DN 8h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.12 Change of 2027 DS DN 16h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.13 Extent of 2039 DN 16h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.14 Extent of 2039 DN 8h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.15 Extent of 2039 DS 16h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.16 Extent of 2039 DS 8h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.17 Change of 2039 DS DN 16h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.18 Change of 2039 DS DN 8h NoiseContours : Click Here
16.19 Extent of 2043 DN 16h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.20 Extent of 2043 DN 8h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.21 Extent of 2043 DS 16h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.22 Extent of 2043 DS 8h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.23 Change of 2043 DS DN 16h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.24 Change of 2043 DS DN 8h Noise Contours : Click Here
16.25 Roadside Traffic Noise 2027 LAeq16h : Click Here
16.26 Roadside Traffic Noise 2039 LAeq16h : Click Here
16.27 Roadside Traffic Noise 2043 LAeq16h : Click Here
16.28 Construction Noise and Ground Noise Assessment Locations : Click Here

Appendices

16.1 Noise and Vibration Information : Click Here
16.2 Draft Operational Noise Management Plan : Click Here