Chapter 22 - Noise 22.0 Noise 22.1 Introduction Noise is a normal part of most activities and a necessary part of day to day life. Provision for appropriate activities through the Plan needs to include provision for appropriate or acceptable noise associated with those activities. At the same time, unreasonable, excessive or unnecessary noise should be controlled. Whether noise should be subject to control will depend in many cases on the circumstances. For example, lower noise levels are properly associated with residential amenities however this needs to be balanced in particular circumstances with associated or nearby non-residential activities. Noise can affect people physically, psychologically and socially. Absence of adverse noise effects positively contributes to amenity values and is consequently an indication of sustainable resource management. Generally, complaints occur when noise is at sufficient levels to create adverse effects. The desirable upper limit for night time noise exposure is determined by criteria to protect from either disturbance to the onset of sleep or awakening thresholds for the average person. However, adverse effects of noise are subjective and influenced by: • Time, frequency and duration of noise; • Individual sensitisation to a particular noise; and • Vibration. Most frequent noise related complaints arise from: • Music - band practice, parties; • Industrial operations - generators, processing equipment and machinery; • Transportation - vehicle movement, loading and unloading vehicles; • Rural activities - crop sowing, tending and harvesting machinery and equipment, animals, bird scaring devices, wind machines; • Hobbies/ Home occupations - power tools, machinery; and • Barking dogs. 22.2 Issue The need to provide for sound associated with appropriate activities whilst addressing any adverse effects of noise, including those effects on environmental and amenity values. These adverse effects of noise could include: • Sleep disturbance; • Stress; • Disturbance and stress related health problems; • Disruption of speech and hearing; • Interference with concentration; 22 - 1