NOISE ASSESSMENTS
Noise assessments are often required to support a planning application where there are concerns about noise in terms of noise impact on a proposed development or noise impact from a proposed development. These noise assessments usually entail noise measurement, computer prediction or modelling, assessment of the impacts of noise and development of mitigation where necessary, so should be carried out by qualified noise or acoustic consultants. We have a team of five acoustic consultants who all hold relevant qualifications and membership of the Institute of Acoustics.
At Miller Goodall, we have vast experience of completing noise assessments and we consult closely with local authorities to ensure that our noise assessment meets their criteria so we can help to take your project forward quickly and efficiently. Our noise assessments are produced in a report format suitable for planning submission; this may be in the form of a standalone document or form part of an Environmental Impact Assessment.
What kind of developments need a noise assessment?
A typical example of noise impacting on a proposed development would be a scheme for new housing next to a busy road. In this case, the local planning officer will probably request a noise assessment to determine if noise from the road is likely to have a negative impact on the residents in the new housing.
An example of noise impacts coming from a proposed development would be a new delivery yard next to an existing area of housing. In this case, a noise assessment is likely to be required in order to demonstrate that noise from the new HGV deliveries will not cause a significant negative impact at the existing nearby housing, and noise mitigation may be identified.
As well as busy roads and delivery vehicles, environmental noise sources can take many other forms, including railways and tramlines, overhead flight paths, entertainment venues such as pubs and night clubs, and plant and machinery noise from commerce, industry and construction.
Our acoustic consultants have experience of working on a large variety of noise assessments from multi-million pound developments to conversions of individual properties within the residential, commercial, industrial, transport, education and healthcare sectors.
What type of noise assessment do I need?
The type of noise sources associated with a new development will determine the type of noise assessment that is required, as well as the extent and times of any survey work. Almost all sites that need a noise assessment will have noise monitoring carried out; this involves a qualified acoustic consultant visiting the site and taking noise measurements with calibrated equipment. Noise measurements may be needed at either the quietest time of the day- or night-time period or when sources are at their noisiest, depending on the development.
Sites where there are more than one significant noise source will often result in more extensive survey requirements and may mean that more than one form of noise assessment will be required – for example, road noise is typically assessed according to ProPG, BS 8233 and World Health Organisation guidance; noise from industry is typically assessed according to BS 4142 guidance; and noise from construction sites is assessed according to BS 5228 guidance.
How is the noise assessed?
Once a noise survey has been carried out at a site and the noise sources have been identified and assessed, computer noise modelling can be an effective way to predict the impact of a development on existing noise-sensitive sources or the impact of noise on a new source. Our acoustic consultants often use CadnaA, a state-of-the-art noise prediction software package that can be used to study noise from individual plant or entire towns!
How can noise be mitigated?
Noise modelling is also effective for developing noise mitigation measures in order to protect future residents or existing noise sensitive receptors against excessive noise levels.
Noise mitigation can take various forms, and is often applied as a range of measures within a single scheme. Typical mitigation strategies include the use of acoustic bunds, barriers or fences and alterations to the building layout and orientation.
Noise impacts on a new development may also be effectively reduced by enhancing the specification of the building façade in the form of minimum glazing and ventilation requirements, and enhanced external wall and roof constructions.
Noise impacts from a new development may be effectively reduced by restricting the opening hours and operations at a proposed site so that noise impacts do not occur during sensitive times such as late night and early morning. Noise management plans are also an effective means of controlling against potential noise impacts and are sometimes a requirement for certain types of development, such as pubs and clubs.
Standards
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I would like to thank Miller Goodall for all their help throughout this process. Right from our first phone call, we have found your services to be professional, informative and helpful.
We engaged Miller Goodall to deal with the noise issues likely to be caused by our new industrial development and to provide a report to the local authority planning department. They were helpful and knowledgeable throughout the course of the scheme, specifying the data required to perform their work and liaising directly with the end user as required to arrange the necessary surveying and monitoring. I would not hesitate to recommend Miller Goodall in the future.
We have worked with Miller Goodall for a number of years and always found them to be very responsive in providing an excellent and cost effective service. We would recommend their services to all our clients.
As is always the case, Miller Goodall professionally respond to every situation and provide a high quality and reliable service.
Miller Goodall have offered us a responsive and professional service undertaking surveys and assessments on what is a relatively complex planning scheme. I would not hesitate in using their services and recommending them for future projects.
Acoustics linksBringing Miller Goodall into your project as environmental consultants means you can be certain that you are meeting the required standards of environmental best practice. We carry out noise assessments in locations including Bolton, Bristol, Durham, Rotherham and Newcastle.
Talk to us: info@millergoodall.co.uk
