About Polaris Acoustics
Polaris Acoustics is an independent acoustic consultancy based in Southampton, providing noise surveys, noise impact assessments and acoustic reports for planning and development throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Founded by Mathew Vaughan MSc MIOA to offer a more direct and personalised service, Polaris combines detailed technical assessment with clear communication and practical recommendations that help projects move through planning.
Led by a Full Member of the IOA
Fixed-fee quotes
Class 1 instrumentation
England, Scotland, Wales and NI
How we work
“Understand the limits of the information available, test the assumptions that matter, and recommend mitigation that is proportionate to the site.”
01
Class 1 sound level meters, environmental noise monitoring and in-situ source measurements establish the real noise climate on site.
02
Detailed analysis and computational acoustic modelling predict the likely effects on proposed developments and neighbouring properties.
03
Gaps in the available information are identified and the key assumptions are tested rather than taken for granted.
04
The consultant who scopes your survey also carries out the measurements, analysis and reporting, and speaks directly with your project team.
What we do
Polaris applies BS 8233, BS 4142, BS 5228, ProPG and ISO 9613-2, turning detailed measurements and predictive calculations into assessments that planning officers, Environmental Health Officers, architects and developers can understand and use.
Noise surveys and assessments for new homes near roads, railways and commercial uses, using BS 8233 and ProPG.
Environmental noise surveys →
BS 4142 noise impact assessments for industrial and commercial sound affecting nearby homes.
BS 4142 assessments →
BS 5228 predictions, Section 61 support and on-site monitoring during demolition and construction.
Construction noise monitoring →
Heat pumps, air conditioning, refrigeration, extract systems and generators, from in-situ source measurements to mitigation design.
Plant noise assessments →
Glazing and ventilation specifications that achieve suitable internal noise levels, including the implications for ventilation and overheating.
BS 8233 assessments →
Three-dimensional sound propagation modelling to ISO 9613-2 to predict noise levels and test mitigation before anything is built.
Noise impact assessments →
Project experience
Mathew's project experience spans individual residential installations through to larger commercial and leisure developments. These are the kinds of projects Polaris is most often asked to assess.
Acoustic assessments for indoor padel facilities in Scotland, Wales and England, covering court activity, individual impact noise events, building envelope sound insulation and the effects on neighbouring homes.
Padel court noise assessments →
Air source heat pumps, refrigeration and air conditioning, extract systems, generators and industrial workshops, using baseline monitoring, in-situ source measurements, 3D propagation modelling and mitigation testing.
Plant noise assessments →
Environmental noise surveys and planning assessments for residential schemes, covering road traffic and other noise sources, façade sound insulation, ventilation and internal acoustic conditions.
Environmental noise surveys →
Existing industrial buildings, changes of use, unusual source characteristics and challenging receptor arrangements, where the method has to fit the site rather than rely on generic assumptions.
View case studies →
Meet the founder
Polaris Acoustics was founded by Mathew Vaughan, a Full Member of the Institute of Acoustics with an MSc in Applied Acoustics. His interest in acoustics grew out of music production and audio engineering: an understanding of sound and how people hear it, combined with a technical curiosity about how it travels through buildings and the wider environment.
As Principal Acoustic Consultant, Mathew stays directly involved in every project, from scoping the survey through measurement, analysis, reporting and discussions with your project team.
Foundations
A BA (Hons) in Digital Music at Solent University built a practical understanding of sound, its character and how it is perceived.
Music production and audio engineering
Specialisation
An MSc in Applied Acoustics at Solent University focused on how sound propagates through buildings and the environment, and how it is measured and predicted.
MSc Applied Acoustics
2021: Into consultancy
Mathew began his professional career in acoustic consultancy, working on environmental noise monitoring and assessments for planning.
Acoustic consultancy
2022 to 2026: Hawkins Environmental
Practical experience in environmental noise monitoring, acoustic assessment, technical reporting and the application of acoustic standards to planning and development projects.
Hawkins Environmental Ltd
Founding Polaris Acoustics
Polaris was established to offer a more direct and personalised service: detailed technical assessment, clear communication and practical recommendations, with one consultant accountable from start to finish.
Founder and Principal Acoustic Consultant
Qualifications
Mathew is a Full Member of the Institute of Acoustics, the UK's professional body for acousticians, and holds a postgraduate degree in applied acoustics.
Professional membership
Full Member, Institute of Acoustics (MIOA)
Education
MSc Applied Acoustics, Solent University
BA (Hons) Digital Music, Solent University
Standards applied
BS 8233
BS 4142
BS 5228
ProPG
ISO 9613-2
Technical articles
Mathew writes the technical articles on this site, drawing on acoustic standards, planning guidance and project experience to help developers, planning consultants, architects and property owners make informed decisions.
Work with Polaris
Send over the site address, drawings and any comments from the council or Environmental Health. We will confirm exactly which assessment you need and provide a fixed-fee quote, aiming to respond to every enquiry within 24–48 hours.
MIOA acoustic consultant · Class 1 instrumentation · Fixed fees · UK-wide
