§ Margaret MoranTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will set out his Department's policy on noise insulation for schools in respect of areas where(a) noise insulation regulations apply and (b) noise barriers are to be installed in a discretionary scheme by the Highways Agency. [34752]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Noise Insulation Regulations 1975 apply to dwellings and other buildings used for residential purposes that are affected by a new or substantially altered road. Schools do not fall within this definition of residential use. However, residential accommodation belonging to schools may qualify for insulation.
The criteria for the Highways Agency to apply in considering the need for additional noise barriers that could be provided under the discretionary powers within the Highways Act was answered to the House in a written answer on 22 March 1999, Official Report, columns 50–51W.
The assessment of need in these cases has been based on the number of residential properties affected, in order to remain consistent with the application of the noise insulation regulations to highway improvement schemes.