Noise impact assessments

We provide noise surveys and noise impact assessments to support UK planning applications, from individual residential developments to major mixed-use schemes. We apply creative thinking to the requirements of UK Planning Policy and address potential ‘Agent of Change’ issues that may affect existing businesses.

What we do

• Baseline noise surveys at all noise-sensitive locations using Class 1 sound level meters, configured to capture the time-history data required for BS 4142 and BS 8233 assessments.
• Agent of Change assessments for sites near existing noise-making businesses such as music venues, pubs and industrial premises.
• Acoustic separation standards for light structures in mixed-use developments, balancing cost against performance.
• Passive ventilation strategies for residential schemes in noisy environments, supporting compliance with Approved Document F without compromising acoustic targets.
• Protected amenity areas designed to create quality outdoor living spaces against road, rail and industrial noise sources.

Applications

• Residential developments — new build and conversions;
• Industrial and commercial schemes;
• Infrastructure and transportation projects;
• Mixed-use developments and inner-city sites;
• Mining, quarrying and construction noise.

How we work

We guide clients through complex planning and legislation processes, focusing on using sound to create better living and learning environments. Our reports are written to satisfy the most rigorous environmental health officers while remaining accessible to architects and planning consultants.

Further reading

• Noise impact assessments and BS 4142 — full explainer of the standard with a worked kitchen-extract example.
• The mass law and sound insulation — partition design fundamentals for acoustic separation.
• Trickle vent acoustic performance — Dn,e + Dn,e,w+Ctr data for vents commonly used on UK schemes.
• Glazing acoustic performance — sound reduction data for typical glazing build-ups.
• Chimney stack directivity correction — directivity data for stack noise predictions.

Please contact us for further information or a quote.