Westminster Open Spaces Noise Study 2008 Final Report

Westminster Open Spaces NoiseStudy 2008: Final Report8.5.4 Given the findings that the visual aspect of relative tranquillity is of high importance,landscape architects and cultural heritage experts should be invited to review the findingsof this report and contribute to any further study.8.5.5 It would also be beneficial to undertake detailed measurements and questionnaire surveyat a smaller sample of sites over much longer period. Consideration should also be given torepeating studies at different times of day, outside of the 11:00 – 18:00 times used for thisstudy. Consideration should be given to repeating studies at different times of year to lookat seasonal variation. Particular attention should be given to repeating the survey at theheight of the summer when open space use is likely to be at its peak. Weather is likely tobe an important factor in open space usage, although increased numbers of people willhave an adverse influence on tranquillity for certain users.8.5.6 A trial should be undertaken to designate and protect quiet zones/areas in one or morespaces. Different approaches (and expectations) would be required depending on the sizeof the spaces, the number of users and the surrounding noise sources.8.5.7 The practical limitations of the suggested recommendations for how each area of relativetranquillity may be protected or enhanced given in Section 7 should be reviewed by therelevant experts within WCC.8.5.8 The tranquillity toolkit and pro-forma should be trialled by officers for ease of use andresults. It is recommended that a workshop is held combined with a site visit to practicefilling out the Tranquillity Capture Form, so that a small number of officers or park wardensare trained up in the assessment.D121316/R1/0240Scott Wilson LtdMarch 2009