Environmental Noise Planning Surveys
Noise Impact Assessments.
We deliver fully certified, environmental noise surveys for both pre and post planning application conditions, carried out in accordance with relevant standards.
Environmental noise surveys and assessments are often required during the approval of a wide variety of planning applications. This can include industrial plants, residential developments or large out of town developments. We have years of experience with projects of all sizes. Our environmental noise surveys and assessments are all performed in accordance with the latest guidance, standards and regulations including BS7445:2003, BS4142:2014 and BS8233:2014.
An environmental noise survey is performed in accordance with the latest regulations and any additional policies and related conformance standards to ensure that you meet the environmental criteria set by your local authority. Although the standard required for an environmental noise survey varies, it will typically include BS7445 - 'description and measurement of environmental noise' or BS4142 - 'methods for rating and assessing industrial or commercial noise' and BS8233 - 'guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings' is often used in an environmental noise survey to provide specified internal noise levels in new-build or conversion residential developments.
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As part of reducing potential noise disturbances to residents of new projects, various noise sources such as road traffic, nearby industrial uses, air conditioning units and so forth must be assessed and a formal mitigation proposal put in place to meet internal noise levels outlined in BS8233 weather formed via new build or renovation of an existing building. Generally this can be achieved via the buildings fabric such as acoustic glazing and trickle vents or other ventilation strategies if required. It will often be the case that the survey or sound levels are conducted to either BS4142 or BS7445. However neither of these documents provide guidance to suitable levels but only the methodology of measurement. This is where we look to BS8233 to provide the internal sound levels we must meet and break in noise calculations are conducted to determine the resulting indoor noise levels within the proposed project. ​
What standards are required for my environmental noise survey?
Your planning permission or environmental health officer will typically inform you of the specific standards that your need to fulfil. Some of the most commonly required standards for undertaking an environmental noise survey include:
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BS 4142: Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound. This standard is frequently requested and used widely throughout the United Kingdom for noise assessments to predict the impact of industrial installations. The main purpose is to assess the likelihood of complaints arising from industrial noise impinging on existing or proposed residential developments. Local authorities will often request an environmental noise survey be performed in compliance with the parameters outlined in this British Standard.
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BS 7445: Description and measurement of environmental noise. This standard provides guidance on quantities and procedures for description and measurement of noise in community environments. In short it helps to ensure that accurate and repeatable methods have been applied and followed during an environmental noise assessment.
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BS 8233: This British Standard is often referred to in an environmental noise survey providing specified internal noise levels for both daytime and night time periods to be achieved in existing, new or proposed residential developments. It also includes guidance for maximum noise levels in external amenity space be it a garden or balcony.
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It is also common for proposed projects in built up areas to require ventilation systems potentially including space cooling if relying on closed windows to achieve the internal levels outlined in BS8233:2014 as part of local planning environmental plans. Constant heating/cooling ventilation systems negate the need for purge ventilation via the opening of windows on a hot summers day for example. We can help guide you through the necessary procedures to meet such requirements.
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While the exact nature and requirements of your environmental noise survey vary, we have over 10 years experience helping our clients understand and execute the specific planning conditions on their projects. In the instance that an environmental noise survey highlights any issues, we will use our experience to provide you with a realistic, cost-effective solution, tailored to suit your needs.
Simply use the contact form, or call us, to discuss your specific environmental noise assessment requirements with our friendly and knowledgeable team of acoustic consultants.