Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what guidance her Department issues to local authorities about (a) planning, (b) licensing and (c) statutory nuisance aspects of noise complaints about (i) long-standing clocks and bells and (ii) other established uses.

The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that planning policies and decisions should ensure that new development is appropriate for its location including the likely effects of pollution on health, living conditions and the natural environment, as well as the potential sensitivity of the site to the wider area.

Where the operation of an existing business or community facility could have a significant adverse effect on new development in its vicinity, the Framework expects the applicant to provide suitable mitigation before the development has been completed.

Planning Policy Guidance on noise advises how planning can manage potential noise impacts in new developments.

Further guidance on noise and statutory nuisance is published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Home Office.