Westminster Open Spaces Noise Study 2008 Final Report

Westminster Open Spaces NoiseStudy 2008: Final Reportwhen no pedestrians were waiting to cross. This is turn required traffic to brake (with somebrake squeal) and then accelerate.7.1.25 If practical traffic calming measures may reduce noise levels. It may also be practical tochange the pedestrian crossing so it only activates when pedestrians are waiting to cross.7.1.26 A significant noise barrier located alongside the pavement would help reduce noise levelsand focus vision towards the adjacent canal, however this may not look aestheticallypleasing from the road.Hyde Park Corner War memorial7.1.27 Traffic noise from three-lane traffic surrounding the open space dominated. Unless thevolume or type of traffic can be reduced it is unlikely that any mitigation measures orenhancement measures would be appropriate without causing a significant visual impact.An increase in foliage at the boundary would be beneficial to visually block the view to theroad from the park; however this would block the view of the war memorials and WellingtonArch from the road.Inigo Jones Gardens7.1.28 An enclosed private churchyard area surrounded by tall buildings to three sides and achurch to one side. Noise levels within the area were dominated by distant road trafficnoise and entertainment noise from nearby Covent Garden.7.1.29 It is not felt that any mitigation measures to improve the noise climate in this area would beappropriate or necessary, however the introduction of masking sounds, such as fountains,may improve the noise climate further.St Anne’s Churchyard7.1.30 An informal green space in front of St Anne’s Church, elevated above Wardour Street byapproximately 2 metres, with tall buildings to either side with associated air conditioningunits. Dominant noise sources were distant road traffic and vehicle movements on WardourStreet.7.1.31 An increase in foliage at the boundary would be beneficial to visually block the viewtowards Wardour Street, however it is understood that foliage at St Annes' Garden's wasdeliberately cut back in order to give a better view of the church and to discourage antisocial/criminalbehaviour. A noise barrier (transparent) would provide reasonable reductionof noise from any vehicles on Wardour Street, but distant traffic noise would be unaffected.Providing water features may mask the noise produced by air conditioning units located onadjacent buildings.Soho Square7.1.32 A popular square dominated by road traffic, both distant and from roads circling the square.Noise could be reduced by restricting traffic flows on the roads circling the square. Barriersare considered too visually intrusive. Providing a water feature may be a good way ofgenerating some masking sound.D121316/R1/0236Scott Wilson LtdMarch 2009