Managing Noise Conflicts Between Residential and Recreational Needs in Urban Areas

Urban areas are developed areas, meaning there is a density of structures and a range of activities and uses. While urban planners aim to provide a functioning urban area they also seek to provide a vibrant one for the benefit of the residents. This is particularly the case in "urban renewal" when residential uses are integrated back into commercial areas. The benefits of range of recreational activities close at hand are promoted to the new residents by the planners and developers. However unless careful planning has been applied this proximity of conflicting land uses can lead to complaints to the environmental agencies about excess noise. The challenges in managing the noise require both agencies to work together towards achieving a balance. If the planning rules are too onerous the dynamic environment will not be achieved but if the noise is not considered at the planning stage any remedial control work to meet the environmental noise limits can be costly and difficult. This paper will discuss the various aspects that need to be considered and the practical management options.