Acoustic Consultancy Services

Noise Risk Assessments to support Planning Applications

We conduct manned or unmanned noise and vibration surveys and typically our Noise Risk Assessments are required for planning purposes. We can provide façade noise surveys, background noise surveys, vibration surveys, noise at work monitoring or where required any other specialist noise and vibration monitoring.

All noise surveys are carried out to meet the latest standards and conﬁrm the requirements set out by the local governing department, be it Environmental Health, Planning or Building Control.

Background noise surveys

Background noise surveys are often undertaken whenever a new piece of plant or a new activity is proposed, which may generate noise. This could be building services plant, delivery noise, activity noise from public premises etc.

A survey may be required as part of the planning process, or wherever the proposed plant or activities could potentially cause a noise nuisance to neighbouring premises. The main guidance documents relevant to background noise surveys are:

BS4142
BS8233
Local Authority Planning Requirements

The aim of the survey is to establish the existing background noise level at the nearest noise sensitive receivers to the site, during the operating hours of the plant or activity noise.

Façade noise survey

A facade noise survey is required to determine the likely internal noise levels present in a premises. This is generally required as part of the planning process, and is required in determining appropriate facade constructions, glazing and vent speciﬁcation. The main guidance documents relevant to facade noise surveys are:

British Council for Ofﬁces Guidelines
BS8233
Landlord Speciﬁcations
BREEAM Ofﬁces

Typically, the facade experiencing the highest noise levels will be chosen when selecting the measurement positions. However, where noise levels differ signiﬁcantly at different facades, several measurement positions shall be chosen accordingly.

Vibration survey

A vibration survey is carried out to measure the existing levels of vibration. The assessment of the measurement results are carried out generally in accordance with BS6472, and will establish whether the existing levels of vibration exceed the recommended limits.

Noise at work assessments

Noise levels in the workplace to which workers are exposed, are covered by the “Control of Noise at Work Regulations”. We can carry out all of the necessary measurements and assessments to produce a noise at work report. Where necessary we can include recommendations for mitigation to satisfy the health and safety regulations.