Draft agglomerations noise action plan: consultation

12. Agglomerations Noise Action Plan for Scotland

Please find the attached the agglomerations Noise Action Plan for Scotland, showing how the Scottish Government along with its partners will deliver their obligations under the Environmental Noise Directive (END). The Directive was transposed through the Environmental Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006

Draft Agglomerations Noise Action Plan for Scotland

12.1 Introduction

Noise pollution, meaning unwanted or harmful sound, can impact human health and well-being in a number of ways, including sleep disturbance, annoyance, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Noise occurs from a wide variety of activities in our everyday lives: from our homes, businesses and industry, to how we get around. The World Health Organisation estimates that noise pollution from traffic results in one million healthy life years lost in Western Europe every year^[1].

For the first time environmental noise maps, covering all road and rail across Scotland, have been produced to support the development of environmental noise action plans covering large urban areas (agglomerations^[2]).

This Agglomerations Noise Action Plan for Scotland aims to support policy makers and partners in developing policies and measures to protect human health from harmful exposure to environmental noise. The Agglomeration Noise Action Plan partners with the Transport Noise Action Plan, covering road and rail noise, to set actions up to 2028.

The local authorities, and partners, responsible for implementing this action plan will need to consider the wider implications of any potential action to manage environmental noise, delivering best value through balancing wider environmental, social and economic considerations, including cost effectiveness.

12.1.1 Background

The Environmental Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (the “2006 Regulations”) require the delivery of two key tasks for Scottish Ministers in managing environmental noise:

• produce and adopt strategic noise maps for major roads^[3], major railways^[4] and agglomerations (at least every five years); and
• produce and adopt action plans, informed by the strategic noise maps covering roads, rail, and agglomerations, which must be reviewed, and if necessary, revised every 5 years.

The 2006 Regulations impose separate obligations on airport operators in relation to airport noise:

• airport operators for major airports^[5], and airports within agglomerations, are responsible for making strategic noise maps showing airport noise on a 5-yearly cycle; and
• airport operators for major airports, and those with noise above levels prescribed in the regulations are required to draw up and submit an action plan for that airport, with the action plan to be reviewed, and if necessary, revised on a 5-yearly cycle.

Responsibility for preparing airport action plans rests with the relevant airport operators.

This is the fourth round of producing environmental noise maps for Scotland, with associated action plans. This action plan is intended to form part of our obligation to meet the requirements of the 2006 Regulations, presenting the action plan for agglomerations.

This action plan sets out:

• exposure to environmental noise in large urban areas (agglomerations), from the results of the environmental noise maps;
• identification of candidate noise management areas to support management of environmental noise, including noise reduction if necessary;
• preservation of environmental noise quality where it is good, though candidate quiet areas.
• information for the public on environmental noise; and
• adoption of Agglomerations Noise Action Plan for Scotland, based on the environmental noise maps.

With the move to mapping all road and rail across Scotland, we are taking the opportunity to consolidate the agglomerations actions into a single Noise Action Plan, bringing together an overarching picture for local authorities on environmental noise. This action plan will be relevant to the authorities responsible for transportation in the agglomerations, local authorities (in particular those in agglomerations), with environmental, transport and planning responsibilities, and interested members of the public.

Environmental Noise

Environmental noise is defined as “unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of transport, road traffic, rail traffic, and from sites of industrial activity” 2006 Regulations

The 2006 Regulations does not apply to noise from domestic activities, created by neighbours, work places, inside means of transport or due to military activities.

This Agglomerations Noise Action Plan for Scotland 2024 to 2028 is one of the set of five Scottish Noise Action Plans covering the areas described in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Details of noise action plans in Scotland

Noise Action Plan: Transport

Areas: All major roads, all trunk roads, all rail routes, and transport policy

Noise Action Plan: Agglomerations

Areas: All urban areas with population greater than 100,000, and with population density greater than 500 people per km2 (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Falkirk, and Glasgow)

Noise Action Plan: Aberdeen Airport Noise Action Plan

Areas: Aberdeen Airport.

Noise Action Plan: Edinburgh Airport Noise Action Plan

Areas: Edinburgh Airport.

Noise Action Plan: Glasgow Airport Noise Action Plan

Areas: Glasgow Airport.

One of the aims of the strategic noise maps is to help inform the public and stakeholders on environmental noise, and to support engagement in the development of a range of potential environmental noise policies, for example:

• prioritising noise mitigation measures like noise barriers and resurfacing roads;
• setting local speed limits to support noise reduction;
• being aware of noise implications in planning of new developments; and
• encouraging engagement on noise considerations in the development of local authority transport, planning, air quality plans and strategies.

12.2 Environmental Noise Mapping

The Round 4 strategic noise maps for Scotland (with 2021 as the base year) are accessible on the Scotland's Noise website^[6]. The development of the underlying model, its calculation, and analysis was undertaken using a Noise Modelling System (NMS) to deliver calculations of the noise level on a 10 metre grid, at a height of 4 metre above local ground level, for a range of sources and noise types, as required by the Regulations. These noise maps have been produced to show a geographical representation of noise levels across the entirety of Scotland for 2021, showing areas where people are exposed to higher levels of environmental noise.

The noise model takes account of the requirements of the new modelling methodology introduced since the previous round of mapping. It uses advances in data and technology to calculate noise exposure levels with a higher level of accuracy and coverage than before based on information such as traffic flow, road type and road surface data. No actual noise measurements were taken in the production of the strategic maps, as the regulations require noise mapping to be carried out through noise modelling. This approach is taken because sound levels can vary significantly, based on factors including weather conditions or the time of day or year, which introduce a level of uncertainty into the result.

As a result, the noise mapping data - although useful in helping identify priority areas for investigation - does not necessarily represent an exact picture of the current situation on the ground at any given locality on any given day.

For Round 4 noise mapping the Scottish Government went beyond the minimum requirements in the Regulations and mapped noise from all road and rail sources across the whole of Scotland. This is a significant change from previous noise mapping rounds, as can be seen in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Round 4 total sources mapped

Source	Total	Major (road and rail)
Road	63,522 km	2,932 km
Rail	5,520 km	1,357 km
Industry	335 sites	Not Applicable

Exposure Statistics

Outputs from the environmental noise model present statistics based on population exposure to noise levels using both L_den and L_night calculations.

The population exposure statistics reflects the estimated level of noise at the exterior of a residential property. Note this measure is based on modelling calculations and not on actual noise readings at these buildings. The model outputs provide an estimate for noise levels that may require further investigation of the actual noise level. In addition, the modelling is based on the noise level outside the building, which will be different to the noise heard indoors – which is dependent on factors like the building construction and room layout.

The noise indicators used are L_den and L_night. The day-evening-night level (L_den) is a noise indicator for overall annoyance based upon annual average A-weighted long-term sound over 24 hours, with a 5 dB(A) penalty for evening noise (19:00-23:00) and a 10 dB(A) penalty for night-time noise (23:00-07:00). The night level (L_night) is a noise indicator for sleep disturbance based upon annual average A-weighted long-term sound over the night period (23:00-07:00)

Industrial noise

The noise model provides Scotland wide coverage of all road and rail sources, and for agglomerations includes coverage for noise from industrial sources. The addition of industrial noise within agglomerations is a requirement of the noise regulations.

In developing the noise model locations for industrial sites information was extracted from the Scottish Pollution Release Inventory (SPRI), with default industrial sound source emissions applied, to support generation of the noise model calculations.

Noise from prescribed industrial sources is managed, and monitored, by SEPA through site specific environmental licences and is therefore addressed outwith this action plan. This approach has been agreed with SEPA and local authorities on the Scottish Environmental Noise Coordination Group (SENCG) .

Noise from industrial sources is adequately provided for in, and controlled by, the Scottish legislative framework. Prescribed industrial and waste management activities are controlled by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) as the 'Regulator' responsible for enforcing The Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (PPC), the Waste Management Licensing (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (WML), and the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR). As part of its role as Regulator, SEPA produces guidance for use in enforcing these Regulations, and has issued specific guidance on the control of noise which will be used when considering applications for, and inspections of, regulated installations. The control of noise at other sites is exercised by the relevant local authority under Statutory Nuisance provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA), or the local planning system.

Due to site specific noise controls (environmental licences) already in place for the aforementioned industrial activities, and following consultation with SEPA and the local authorities, it was agreed that industrial noise sources and/or areas would not be included in the action planning process other than at the request of the regulatory authority.

12.2.1 A summary of the noise mapping results for all of Scotland

For the first time noise maps have been modelled for the whole of Scotland. Specifically, the Round 4 noise maps include all roads and railways in Scotland. Noise emissions and residential population exposure have been calculated based on this model. The noise maps provide estimates of the population exposure to environmental noise (road traffic and railway sources) in Scotland, and in the five agglomerations (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Falkirk, and Glasgow).

The source identified by the strategic noise maps as exposing the greatest number of people to noise is road traffic. For the ‘all roads’ scenario considered in the noise model, 1,275,900 people are exposed to levels of noise at or above 55 dB L_den, and 608,600 people are exposed to noise levels at or above 50 dB L_night. This represents 23% and 11% of the national population, respectively.

The estimated population exposure to environmental noise in Scotland in set out in Tables 3 and 4. In addition, estimated population exposure to environmental noise in the five agglomerations (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Falkirk, and Glasgow) can be found in Annex B.

Reporting and analysis of the numbers of people exposed to environmental noise in this Noise Action Plan, is by bands in 5dB increments starting from 55dB, as required by the Regulations 2006 (strategic noise maps must satisfy the minimum requirements laid down in Annex IV to the Directive, which defines the required noise bands and associated metrics).

Table 3: Estimated population exposure to environmental noise in Scotland using the day-evening-night noise indicator Lden

Noise Source	55-59 dB	60-64 dB	65-69 dB	70-74 dB	≥ 75 dB	Total
Major roads	119,400	73,800	54,400	18,300	2,700	268,600
All roads	721,000	337,400	163,000	45,500	9,000	1,275,900
Major railways	46,600	24,300	7,900	2,000	300	81,100
All railways	64,400	30,300	10,100	2,300	300	107,400
Scotland total population = 5,476,156

Table 4: Estimated population exposure to environmental noise in Scotland using the night-time noise indicator Lnight

Noise Source	55-59 dB	60-64 dB	65-69 dB	70-74 dB	≥ 75 dB	Total
Major roads	91,400	60,900	31,100	5,600	600	189,600
All roads	319,500	196,100	74,600	16,200	2,200	608,600
Major railways	30,800	11,500	2,600	400	0	45,300
All railways	39,000	14,600	3,500	400	100	57,600
Scotland total population = 5,476,156

12.3 Agglomerations

12.3.1 A description of each of the five agglomerations

This Agglomerations Noise Action Plan for Scotland covers five agglomerations - Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Falkirk, and Glasgow. An agglomeration is defined as urbanised areas with a population exceeding 100,000 inhabitants and with a population density equal to or greater than 500 people per km².

A description for each agglomeration is given below.

12.3.1.1 Aberdeen

Aberdeen is Scotland’s third-largest city, with a population of approximately 227,000 (NRS, 2023). It serves as a major regional centre for the northeast of Scotland, with strong ties to the energy sector, higher education, and maritime industries. The city is home to two universities, a busy seaport, and Aberdeen International Airport, which lies just outside the agglomeration boundary.

The Aberdeen agglomeration spans a mix of urban and suburban areas, bounded by rural Aberdeenshire to the west and north, and the North Sea coastline to the east. The city’s transport infrastructure includes major roads such as the A90, A96, A956, a rail corridor connecting Aberdeen to the central belt and Inverness, and the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR), which has significantly altered traffic patterns and noise distribution since its completion in 2018.

A Low Emission Zone (LEZ) scheme was introduced covering an area within Aberdeen city centre in 2022, with enforcement commencing from 2024, restricting access to the most polluting vehicles. While primarily aimed at improving air quality, the LEZ is expected to contribute to reduced traffic volumes and quieter vehicle types, offering potential secondary benefits for environmental noise reduction.

Aberdeen City Council leads the agglomeration’s noise management efforts, supported by Aberdeenshire Council for areas within the buffer zone. The Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2023 and associated Supplementary Guidance on Noise embed environmental noise considerations into planning decisions, particularly for new housing and infrastructure developments.

Local policies promote active travel, traffic calming, and road resurfacing measures to reduce noise exposure. The city’s strategic place planning service area oversees implementation of noise actions and reports annually on progress.

12.3.1.2 Dundee

The Dundee Agglomeration is located on the north bank of the River Tay in the Tay Valley on the east coast of Scotland. The agglomeration covers an area of approximately 4,970 hectares (50km²) and comprises of a large portion of Dundee City Council (88% of agglomeration area), Perth and Kinross Council within the western part (2% of agglomeration area) and Angus Council in northern and eastern areas (10%).

Dundee is the fourth largest city in Scotland with the most recent estimate of Dundee’s population being 147,720 as of 30 June 2021 (NRS 2021 Mid-Year Population Estimate). The approximate total population of the Dundee Agglomeration is 159,380 which takes into account the Dundee (147k), Angus Council (9k) and Perth & Kinross Council (2k) populations within the boundary of the agglomeration.

The Dundee Agglomeration contains a small airport which has regular flights to London Heathrow. There is also a modern deep-water port and large harbour area with aims of creating a major centre for oil and gas decommissioning at the Port of Dundee. A main rail line runs along the southern border of the agglomeration connecting Dundee to Arbroath and Aberdeen to the east, Fife and Edinburgh to the south via the Tay Rail Bridge, and Perth and Glasgow to the west.

The city is a hub for many routes and is connected to Fife by the Tay bridges. The A92 crosses the Tay and emerges in the centre of Dundee. There is an inner ring road, the Marketgait, and five arterial routes - Broughty Ferry Road, Arbroath Road, Riverside Drive, Lochee Road and Forfar Road. There is a by-pass, the Kingsway, which consists of the A90, the main route from Edinburgh/Perth to Aberdeen, and the A92, the route to Arbroath. There are a significant number of busy road junctions across the City. Speed limits vary throughout the agglomeration but are generally 40mph or below, with only small sections of the A90 Kingsway / Forfar Road being 50mph. Many roads in the City have a gradient due to a central topographical feature, an extinct volcano (height being 174m above sea level). 20mph zones have also been rolled out in many areas of Dundee city, while ‘school streets’ have also been introduced where vehicle restrictions are in place around school start and end times during school term times.

Dundee city has a wide diversity of open spaces covering over 1300 hectares. This includes woodlands, beaches, parks, allotment gardens, wildlife sites, burns and ponds. Many are multifunctional and contribute to the quality of life in Dundee by providing opportunities for active and passive recreation, an attractive and sustainable urban environment and a space for nature.

Dundee city is a major employment and retail centre and has a sizeable student population (circa 30,000), being home to the University of Dundee, Abertay University, Dundee & Angus College and Al Maktoum College.

In common with many Scottish cities the architecture consists of a significant number of 4 or 5-storey tenemental properties creating numerous street canyons. In the commercial centres, a common feature of these tenemental properties is that commercial premises are located on the ground floor with residential premises on the floors above. The main shopping area in the city is pedestrianised. Most of the industrial processes are located around the periphery of the city and in the port area. A Low Emission Zone (LEZ) scheme was introduced covering an area within the city centre of Dundee in 2022, with enforcement commencing from 2024.

Dundee has gone through major regeneration in recent years, in particular waterfront development. The Dundee Central Waterfront is the focal point of this 30-year project and has involved the creation of a new street layout extending from the city centre down to the waterfront, featuring the iconic Victoria and Albert (V&A) at Dundee building. The rail station was redeveloped with new civic spaces, Slessor Gardens and the Dundee Waterfront Gardens, created which stretch from the Caird Hall down to the riverside. New hotels, commercial, leisure and residential outlets are required to support the expanding city and new development plots have been created.

Other recent developments include the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, and a Life Sciences Innovation District. Plans are also been made to bring the Eden Project to Dundee, with proposals for this to be located on a historical gas works site to the east of the city centre.

12.3.1.3 Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the Capital city of Scotland with a population of approximately 523,000; one of the fastest growing populations of any city in the UK. It is a university city, the locus for much employment in the surrounding region and a tourist centre. In 2023 there were almost 5 million overnight visits to Edinburgh by domestic and international visitors.

The agglomeration area is approximately 261 km² with approximately 239,000 households. It has an airport which lies just outside the agglomeration boundary, a seaport at Leith, and two major rail stations in the city centre. The city is bounded by Green Belt and the Firth of Forth to the north.

The biggest local authority within the agglomeration study area is the City of Edinburgh Council. A small part of Midlothian Council and a small part of East Lothian Council also fall within the agglomeration study area boundary.

Scottish Transport statistics (2023/24) show that there are approximately 1500km of roads and 400 bridges within the agglomeration. There are 205,000 licensed private and light goods vehicles in the city. The 2022 Census showed that 38% of households had no access to a car, whereas the 2011 Census showed that 42% of households had no access to a car, perhaps indicating a slight trend of increasing car dependency.

The most significant changes to the noise climate in the Edinburgh agglomeration was the development, and subsequent extension, of the Edinburgh tram system, and the adoption of Edinburgh 2030, an ambitious local development plan. New large scale proposed mixed-use developments in the west of the city and along the waterfront will contribute to a planned increase of over 40,000 housing units within the city boundary in the next ten years. Two further two housing developments have been completed at Shawfair and Wallyford which lie just outside the boundary of the agglomeration but within the study area. Also, a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) scheme was introduced covering an area within the city centre of Edinburgh in 2022, with enforcement commencing from 2024.

The Edinburgh City Plan 2023 was adopted in November 2024 and replaces the Local Development Plan of 2016. The Edinburgh Agglomeration Noise Action Plan is incorporated into this plan.

Edinburgh 2030 aims to deliver a network of 20-minute neighbourhoods and embed a ‘place-based’ approach to the creation of high quality, high density, mixed use and walkable communities, linked by better active travel and public transport infrastructure. Proposals for major development which would generate significant travel demand will not be supported where there is a reliance on private car use, and there is an emphasis on protecting green spaces.

Noise mapping has also been incorporated into the Planning and Environmental Health Protocol (2017). Many planning applications will present potential environmental issues that require objective assessment and quantification. In some cases, the impacts will be minor and readily amenable to mitigation. Others may be more onerous, requiring more detailed assessment and potentially more complex technical solutions.

12.3.1.4 Falkirk

The local authority of Falkirk has a population of almost 160,000 and covers an area of around 300 km². Falkirk is the main town and administrative centre of the Falkirk Council area, which also includes the towns of Grangemouth, Bo'ness, Larbert, Stenhousemuir, Denny, and Bonnybridge.

The area is situated right at the centre of Scotland, at the heart of the road and rail network and has an urban core, but it includes rural agricultural areas in the north and south. Although a compact area, it has a diverse landscape character, including the carse land along the Forth Estuary, the river valleys of the Carron, the Avon, and the Bonny Water, and the uplands of the Slamannan Plateau and the Denny Hills to the south and west. The council area borders with North Lanarkshire, Stirling and West Lothian, and, across the Firth of Forth to the northeast, Clackmannanshire and Fife.

Its growing population lives in a network of towns and villages, Falkirk being the principal administrative and service centre, but each community having its own strong identity. The area was one of the cradles of the industrial revolution, and retains a strong manufacturing base, within a diversified economy. Grangemouth hosts the largest chemical and petrochemical complex in Scotland and is also the country’s busiest container port.

Falkirk Council was formed on 1 April 1996 by way of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 from the exact boundaries of Falkirk District, one of three parts of the Central region created in 1975, which was abolished at that time. Prior to the 1975 reorganisation, the majority of the council area was part of the historic county of Stirlingshire, and a small part, namely Bo'ness and Blackness, was part of the former county of West Lothian.

12.3.1.5 Glasgow

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, with a population of 631,970 (NRS, 2023). It serves as a major regional centre and economic powerhouse for the west of Scotland and has seen significant regeneration over the last 30 years successfully shifting from a post-industrial city to a modern learning city routed in higher education and performing strongly in the retail, financial, major events, sporting and health sectors. Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music with the hospitality and entertainment sectors underpinning a growing tourism industry.

The Glasgow agglomeration is on the whole urban centre around Glasgow at the heart of the Clyde Valley and supported by a network of suburban areas located in the adjoining authorities of East Dumbartonshire, West Dumbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire. The agglomeration is focussed on the urban core of the city but reaches all of these surrounding local authority areas.

As Scotland’s only conurbation, the city region’s main transport infrastructure includes major roads such as the M8, M80, M74 and M77 providing direct road connectivity to most of Scotland and rail corridors connecting Edinburgh and the central belt, the north east, west coast and southern Scotland onwards to England. Glasgow has the only subway system in the UK outside London and an extensive network of bus routes. Around 94% of Glasgow's population lives within 300m of an hourly bus service and approximately 50 million rail journeys on the rail network in and around the region. This network includes a suburban commuter rail system with 120km of track and 60 rail stations serving all parts of the City. The city has a strong suburban rail network connecting to the west, parts of the north, the east and south of the agglomeration. The north-east of the city has recently been strengthened in 2019 with the opening of the new Robroyston Park and Ride Station anchoring significant housing led regeneration.

Glasgow's network of green spaces (4,878 ha) accounts for over 27% of the City's total area. The network consists of public parks, amenity open spaces, countryside areas, seven local nature reserves, 46 sites of City-wide importance for nature conservation and around 49 sites of local importance.

The 6,900 individual listed buildings in the City represent the principal elements of Glasgow's architectural heritage. The City also has 22 conservation areas, which extend over 1,476ha, each containing its own distinctive character.

Glasgow's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) came into force on 1 June 2023 to tackle stubbornly high levels of harmful air pollution in the city centre. Annual monitoring from 2024 has also shown that for the first time, Glasgow recorded full compliance with all statutory air quality objectives following their introduction thirty years ago. These latest results highlight the effectiveness of Glasgow's LEZ in improving air quality citywide, representing a significant step forward in the city's commitment to reducing pollution and safeguarding public health.

Glasgow City Council leads the agglomeration’s noise management efforts, supported by partner authorities. The Glasgow agglomeration: noise action plan has been supported from a planning policy perspective since City Plan 2 (adopted 2009) which has been followed through into the current adopted City Development Plan (2017). The emerging City Development Plan 2 will promote a compact city form, focussing regeneration around the benefits of proximity to existing modes of transportation and will seek to re-densify the city centre and local centres in accordance with National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). NPF4 identifies Clyde Metro – a long-term mass transit system for the Glasgow City Region – which will create a fully integrated public transport network to enhance connectivity and support sustainable growth, economic prosperity and maximise regeneration opportunities.

12.3.2 Agglomerations Noise Action Plan for Scotland: Actions

This Agglomerations Noise Action Plan sets out key actions for agglomerations to consider to support noise reduction.

Local authorities are already using a variety of measures to support noise reduction, for example, incorporating noise considerations into local action plans and strategies, like City Plans, Local Development Plans. Across local authorities there are a range of policies being implemented that reduce noise from promoting active travel (20-minute neighbourhoods), traffic calming (lowering speed limits to 20mph), introducing Low Emission Zones, to road resurfacing measures that will reduce noise exposure.

Table 5: Agglomerations Noise Action Plan for Scotland

Objective 1: We will improve consideration of environmental noise management in strategic planning

1a. Scottish Government and Agglomerations will promote environmental noise management in strategic planning at both National and Local levels

1b. Scottish Government, working closely with local authorities will prepare for the next round of noise mapping, considering data needs and engaging with wider stakeholders.

Objective 2: On a prioritised basis agglomerations will manage exposure to environmental noise

2a. Agglomerations to validate and assess the Candidate Noise Management Areas (CNMA) to identify any NMAs and prioritise these areas.

2b. For NMAs in agglomerations:

• consider, and where relevant implement, specific measures to support noise management in prioritised NMAs; and
• apply noise management interventions during existing maintenance and improvement programmes, where practical.

2c. Transport Scotland will work closely with local authorities, to prioritise noise reduction measures for trunk road and rail NMAs within agglomerations.

Objective 3: We will work with partners to reduce potential exposure to environmental noise and increase awareness of noise control measures and actions

3a. Scottish Government to facilitate the Scottish Environmental Noise Coordination Group, with key partners, to oversee delivery of this noise action plan.

The Co-ordinating Group will also:

• engage with local authorities, and other partners, across Scotland on utilising Scotland's noise maps; and
• engage with local authorities across Scotland to support the promotion of case studies of different noise reduction measures that have been used successfully to reduce exposure to environmental noise.

12.4 Identification of Noise Management Areas and Quiet Areas

The noise regulations set out that the noise action plans shall meet the objectives of ‘preventing and reducing environmental noise where necessary’, and ‘preserving environmental noise quality where it is good’.

The noise maps are the basis for identifying and focusing on those areas where people are most likely to be annoyed by noise. These areas are referred to as Noise Management Areas (NMA), and are largely intended to be the focus of associated noise actions.

To support the identification of noise management areas and quiet areas in agglomerations, this noise action plan sets out:

• candidate noise management areas (CNMA) to support management of environmental noise, including noise reduction if necessary; and
• preservation of environmental noise quality where it is good, through candidate quiet areas (CQA).

With a new methodology for the calculation of Scotland’s noise maps (CNOSSO-EU) the CNMA and CQA are not comparable with those identified in previous noise action plans.

12.4.1 Noise Management Areas

The first step in the process of managing environmental noise is to identify candidate noise management areas – these are locations exposed to higher levels of environmental noise and highest number of people exposed. The approach to identifying the CNMA based on modelling and while it is not a precise assessment it gives an indication of areas where there are potentially relatively high concentrations of people highly annoyed by noise. Local authorities will assess and prioritise the identified CNMA to determine which areas will be designated as Noise Management Areas, and consider the viability of any relevant mitigation measures.

A map of the CNMAs in each agglomeration is at Annex B.

12.4.2 Quiet Areas

The approach to identifying candidate quiet areas (CQAs) used available datasets for green spaces with the results of the strategic noise mapping to assess potential candidate quiet areas. Potential CQA are public parks and gardens with an area greater than 9 hectares and considered to have higher potential for significant community benefit through designation as a Quiet Area. The CQA, like the CNMAs, require further investigation by local authorities to confirm potential Quiet Areas (QAs).

A list of CNQAs for Scotland is at Annex C.

12.4.3 Long-term strategy

The long-term strategy for noise action planning is to widen engagement across Scotland on noise mapping and continue to improve the source data used in the development of future noise maps.

Broadening stakeholders engagement on the noise maps, is a key element of the long-term strategy, with the noise maps now covering the whole of Scotland there is a greater opportunity for the noise maps to be used more widely. To support wider engagement the Scottish Government will look for opportunities to engage with local authorities beyond agglomerations on the noise mapping aiming to build knowledge and share experiences on noise reduction policies and measures. Recognising the strong synergies between the agglomerations and transport action plans, there will be opportunities to build closer alignment across both action plans, and support stakeholder engagement.

Improving the noise mapping modelling data will enable refinement to the existing model and result in improved accuracy for the model outputs in identifying areas of high noise exposure. More specifically, in preparing for the next round of noise maps (strategic noise maps for Scotland are required to be produced every five years) a key step will be reviewing and identifying the relevant input data sources to support the noise modelling.