An environmental noise assessment – often known as a noise impact assessment, BS 8233 assessment or noise test – is a detailed noise survey and is often required for planning applications. These assessments are often requested by a planning officer or the local planning authority due to concerns relating to the construction of the new (or refurbished) residential dwellings in a noisy environment. This ensures that adequate protection is provided for future residents by minimising noise impacts.
The Control of Pollution Act (1974) recognises noise as a form of pollution, with the World Health Organisation highlighting its negative impact on health. Excessive noise levels can affect the future or current occupants of a proposed or existing dwelling house; leading to potential disputes and nuisance complaints.
Effective noise monitoring and reporting during the planning process is essential to ensure compliance and minimise disruption to peoples lives. Our environmental noise assessments identify the levels of noise, determine the impact and where necessary, provides details of mitigation. Our environmental noise assessments may help to achieve planning consent and reduce the risk of legal claims.
What to Expect
An environmental noise assessment typically starts with a baseline noise survey, which establishes onsite noise levels over a typical weekday 24-hour period. This noise data determines the suitability of the site and whether noise mitigation is necessary. If required, mitigation may involve specifying suitable glazing with considerations for ventilation and overheating. Additionally, acoustic barriers designed specifically for your site can help mitigate environmental noise.
The results of the survey, site suitability, and any required mitigation details are compiled in an acoustic report for submission to the local planning authority. This comprehensive report ensures your development meets all necessary acoustic standards. See our environmental noise assessment process below.
We actively encourage you to engage with us early to optimize your new development’s layout for the surrounding acoustic environment. Addressing acoustics from the start can lead to significant cost savings and a smoother planning process. Contact us today to start optimising your development for acoustic excellence.
Our Process
1. Initial Consultation & Baseline Noise Survey
Baseline noise surveys help to establish the existing noise levels in a particular area, such as from road traffic or rail sources. Typically required for new developments and planning applications, as well as for plant-related noise assessments.
2. Data Analysis & Environmental Noise Report
Our Environmental Noise Reports provide recommendations on the appropriate sound reduction index for the glazing of each facade and offer guidance on ventilation and overheating requirements. Additionally, the reports help assess the overall suitability of the site. Requires a Baseline Noise Survey.
3. Compliance Sound Testing
If required, post-completion compliance sound testing is occasionally conducted which ensures that the internal ambient noise levels of your building are compliant with standards such as British standard BS 8233 and adhere to the recommendations of the environmental noise assessment report.
Standards & Guidance
When it comes to environmental noise impact assessments for residential developments, several key standards and guidelines must be considered to ensure compliance and optimal living conditions. These include BS 8233, ProPG, the AVO Guide, Approved Document F, and Approved Document O. Each of these plays a crucial role in guiding developers, architects, and acoustic consultants in creating sound environments that meet regulatory requirements and enhance residential quality of life. See below for the relevant standards and guidance documents.
British Standard BS 8233:2014
British standard BS 8233:2014 ‘Guidance on Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for Buildings’ provides recommendations for the control of noise in and around buildings. It offers guidance on achieving appropriate noise levels for various activities and settings within residential environments. This standard is essential for developers as it outlines criteria for sound insulation and noise reduction measures, ensuring that residential spaces are acoustically comfortable and comply with relevant regulations.
ProPG: Planning & Noise
ProPG is a collaborative guidance document produced by the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC), the Institute of Acoustics (IoA), and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH). It provides a framework for considering noise in the planning process for new residential developments. ProPG emphasizes the importance of early-stage noise risk assessments, site-specific noise mitigation strategies, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that new developments are designed with acoustics in mind from the outset.
AVO Guide
The AVO Guide, produced by the Institute of Acoustics (IoA) and the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC), outlines essential strategies for managing noise from commercial and industrial sources, particularly in relation to residential developments. This guide offers comprehensive advice on both passive and active noise mitigation measures, ensuring that noise control is effectively integrated into building design. By following the AVO Guide, developers can achieve a balance between acoustic comfort and environmental quality, helping to protect residents from excessive noise exposure in densely populated urban areas. Compliance with the AVO Guide is crucial for creating harmonious living spaces amidst commercial and industrial activities.
Book an Environmental Noise Survey
Ready for an initial consultation or to book in a noise survey with Polaris Acoustics? Have any further questions about our environmental noise surveys? Our team is here to assist you. Click below to get in touch. We can’t wait to hear from you!
