Consultation: Noise and Soundscape plan for Wales

The Welsh Government is consulting on their first national strategy for soundscapes -  the draft Noise and Soundscape plan for Wales 2023 – 2028. This builds on the current Noise and Soundscape Action Plan 2018-2023.  As well as considering the effects of noise on people,  the effects of sound on wildlife, pets and farmed animals are covered (although this doesn’t include underwater noise).   They intend the strategy to support well-being goals set out in their Programme for Government 2021-2026. These include - making cities, towns and villages even better places in which to live and work; supporting a stronger, greener economy as maximum progress is made towards decarbonisation;  embedding their response to the climate and nature emergency in all action and identifying and responding to links between noise annoyance and deprivation, and in recognising the aural diversity of the population, the plan will support the objective to celebrate diversity and move to eliminate inequality in all of its forms.

In launching the consultation, Julie James MS, Minister for Climate Change said:

"The Welsh Government recognises both the positive and the negative impacts that the sound environment can have on people’s health and well-being. We are the first UK nation to include soundscapes not only in national policy but also now in primary legislation."

The consultation is open until October 2nd.