What is the Dutch Noise Abatement Act (Wgh)?
The Wet geluidhinder (Wgh), the Dutch Noise Abatement Act, was a law from 1979 that protected people in homes and other noise-sensitive buildings from road, rail and industrial noise. When the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet) came into force on 1 January 2024, the noise rules were moved into the new system through a supplementary noise act. Transitional rules apply to procedures started before that date and to some roads and industrial zones.
What did the Wgh regulate?
- Noise zones: along roads and railways and around designated industrial sites there were zones in which noise had to be assessed for new homes or new infrastructure.
- Preferred limit: for road traffic noise at homes within a zone the preferred limit was 48 dB (Article 82 Wgh).
- Higher value: if that could not be met, the municipality could, under conditions, set a higher value up to a legal maximum, usually with requirements for the sound insulation of the facade.
- Remediation: for existing homes with excessive exposure there were remediation programmes, for example noise barriers or extra insulation.
What it means for building today
- New rules: noise requirements for new homes are now in the Dutch environmental quality decree (Bkl) and the municipal environment plan.
- Facade insulation: the Dutch building regulations (Bbl) set requirements for the sound insulation of the external envelope, depending on the noise level at the facade.
- Acoustic survey: for new homes close to a busy road, railway or industry, the municipality often asks for an acoustic report. Plan it early, as it can affect the design.
- Older documents: plans and permits from before 2024 still refer to the Wgh and may still apply through transitional law. Check with the municipality.
Related terms
- Noise
- Sound insulation
- Noise barrier
- Building permit
- Building regulations
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