Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what noise modelling process HS2 has used to assess the level of noise resulting from the building and operation of HS2 for Radstone in South Northamptonshire constituency.

HS2 Ltd’s construction contractors are predicting noise from the construction of HS2 in accordance with the methodologies set out in BS 5228-1:2009+A1:2014 “Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites. Noise”. Noise and vibration assessments are shared with relevant local authorities through applications for prior consent for work on construction sites according to Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974.

To predict noise from the operational railway, HS2 Ltd’s contractor EKFB is using the prediction model originally developed for HS1. Input assumptions have been varied to reflect relevant differences, such as the higher speeds of HS2. The hybrid Bill process intensively scrutinised how the HS1 noise model should be applied to HS2, and which input assumptions should be used. Using the model, EKFB is developing a design that is compliant with the HS2 Environmental Minimum Requirements, using the methodology and tests set out in HS2 Planning Forum Note 14: Operational Noise from the Railway and Altered Roads, available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/833184/PFN_14_Operational_Noise.pdf