Planning policy guidance notes (PPG 24):

Planning policy guidance notes set out the Government’s policies on different aspects of planning. Local authorities must take their content into account in preparing their development plans. As a result these may be material to decisions on individual planning applications and appeals.

PPG 24 gives guidance to local authorities in England on the use of their planning powers to minimise the adverse impact of noise and builds on the advice previously contained in DOE Circular 10/73.

• It outlines the considerations to be taken into account in determining planning applications both for noise-sensitive developments and for those activities which will generate noise
• Introduces the concept of noise exposure categories for residential development, encourages their use and recommends appropriate levels for exposure to different sources of noise advises on the use of conditions to minimise the impact of noise.