The site lay alongside the M6 and the appellant did not dispute that this was a source of considerable traffic noise. He proposed to build a 2.5m high acoustic fence along the boundary of the site to ensure that noise levels would fall within acceptable limits. However, the council argued that caravans are considerably less well insulated than traditional dwellings and the proposed mitigation measures would be inadequate.
The inspector found the traffic noise significant and intrusive. The appellant had not submitted a technical noise assessment to demonstrate that the acoustic barrier would provide adequate mitigation, he remarked. He agreed with the council that concentrations of pollutants exceeded standards set out in the air quality regulations and were unlikely to fall significantly in the near future. Environmental conditions at the site would be unacceptable, he ruled.
DCS Number 100-051-182
Inspector Philip Major; Hearing.
