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NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

Noise Assessments for Planning

Noise impact assessments are often required by Local Authorities to make sure that noise does not affect existing or potential new residents negatively. They are used to assess noise emissions from new fixed plant (e.g. condensers, fans, generators), indoor and outdoor operations (e.g industrial operations, sports, leisure, traffic) and confirm that it will meet the Local Authority’s requirements, and hence can be granted planning permission.
In most instances the noise assessment is undertaken following the BS4142:2014 Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound methodology. Here at Venta Acoustics we are experts at understanding and implementing the BS4142 methodology.

Contact us now for a no-obligation discussion of your requirements and a free quotation.

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Our Approach

Normally, we will discuss the proposals with you, ascertain what the noise sources and receivers are and agree a preferred assessment method for the scheme. We will liaise with the Local Authority to discuss the situation and confirm an agreed noise criterion and assessment methodology (e.g. Local Authority’s own Code of Practice, BS4142: 2014).

After everything has been agreed, we will go to site and undertake an environmental noise survey. This typically involves installing sound monitoring equipment on site to measure the existing background and ambient sound levels in the area over a representative period of time. The survey would take account of weather conditions during the survey to ensure that the data collected is suitable for the assessment. After the survey is complete and the equipment retrieved, the sound levels measured during the survey are used as the basis for the impact assessment.

Once the survey is completed, the noise data is analysed, along with relevant source data for the proposed new installation or activity. Predicted noise levels from the sources are assessed against the agreed design criterion. If noise levels are too high at the receivers, advice can be given on mitigation measures that could be implemented to ensure the compliance is achieved.

The findings are summarised in a technical report provided to you and suitable for submission to the Local Authority to support the planning application or discharge planning conditions.

For larger schemes, we can prepare chapters for environmental statements (ES) or environmental impact assessments (EIA) and advise on the masterplanning elements of a development.