Agglomerations noise action plan: consultation analysis 2025

Part one: Summary of Consultation Responses on the proposed agglomerations noise action plan.

Question 1: Do you have any views on the overall proposals in the draft Agglomerations Noise Action Plan for Scotland?

Question 2: Do you consider there has been anything left out of the action plan?

Overall, respondents were divided in their views of the draft Agglomerations Noise Action Plan. Four respondents expressed support for the plan and its objectives, while another four felt that further detail on potential mitigation measures was required.

Three respondents raised issues that fall outwith the scope of the Agglomerations Noise Action Plan. These related to noise from renewable energy developments, noise arising from commercial premises, and the recent proposals on airspace change.

A further three respondents commented on the technical aspects of the data and mapping assessment. Their feedback focused on the presentation of the agglomeration maps, the concept and practical treatment of Quiet Areas, and the availability of data on industrial noise.

Finally, five respondents highlighted broader considerations for future policy development. These included suggestions to widen the scope of the action plan beyond the agglomerations; adopt and embed the emerging concept of soundscapes; consider opportunities to reduce overall noise levels; understand the impact of low‑traffic neighbourhoods; and integrate socio‑economic factors more fully into the modelling.

Government response: Views on the action plans

We appreciate the constructive feedback received on the draft Agglomerations Noise Action Plan and welcome the broad support for this plan.

We acknowledge concerns regarding the need for more specific mitigation measures to reduce noise exposure. This noise action plan highlights possible mitigation measures local authorities may employ to support noise reductions. Implementation of noise mitigation measures will depend on the applicability of measures at a specific site.

The scope of this noise action plan covers the five agglomerations in Scotland, in addition there are noise action plans covering Transport, Aberdeen Airport, Glasgow Airport, and Edinburgh Airport. There are separate legislative and regulatory frameworks which address noise from renewable energy installations and commercial premises which fall outwith the scope of this Agglomerations Noise Action Plan. In addition, we note the ongoing public consultation and engagement regarding the airspace change being proposed in the UK and Scotland.

This noise action plan seeks to identify and prioritise areas of higher exposure to environmental noise, and preserve quiet areas. We continue to strengthen our collaboration with planning and transport policy teams within the Scottish Government and local authorities to ensure integrated delivery of the actions in the noise action plan. Together with Transport Scotland we are looking at how we improve the governance structure, and build in wider engagement on future policy development.