Acoustic Surveys & Design
If you have applied, or are about to apply for planning permission to build a residential, commercial, industrial or entertainment development, the Local Planning Authority may request that you have an acoustic survey or noise survey carried out on the site
Current advice on planning and noise is contained in National Planning Policy Guidance (NPPG) document. The NPPG makes references to different levels of disturbance to everyday life;
- No Observable Effect Level (NOEL)
- Lowest Observable Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL)
- Significant Observable Adverse Effect Level (SOAEL)
We can undertake surveys that address all of the above current methodology, and also more quantitative established guidance set out in the relevant British Standards and Good Practice Guides.
Planning surveys will usually involve the acoustic design of a mitigation scheme that minimises the impact of noise on quality of life, and maximises the feasibility of the proposed development.
Understanding the Needs of Every Project
Each project that we work on presents a different set of challenges. With proper understanding and appropriate design, acoustics can enhance almost any environment. We take the time to understand what every client wants to achieve, and provide pragmatic advice to help realise those goals.
Types of Acoustic Survey
There is a very wide range of surveys we can undertake for almost any type of project, building, event or facility. If the Local Planning Authority have requested a survey they may have stipulated that particular documents are used. We are familiar with the methodology of all of these and can assist you with meeting their requirements:
- Pro PG – Planning and Noise
- BS 8233 for buildings
- IEMA guidelines for environmental noise
- National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
- World Health Organisation guidelines
- BS 7445 for environmental noise
- BS 4142 for the assessment of industrial or commercial sound
There are many more standards that can be requested, dealing with noise from dog kennels, pubs and clubs, wind turbines and more. Please contact us and we can help with whatever you have been asked for.
Solutions and Specifications
As part of most survey work, we provide design assistance, specification of mitigation, solutions to problems or guidance on the acoustic construction of proposed development.
We strive to make this guidance easy to follow. A Local Planning Authority may need a great deal of detail to satisfy their requirements, but a client may prefer a more brief summary that can be incorporated into the myriad of other considerations that feed into any particular project.
Need an acoustic survey or some advice?
Contact us today to discuss how we can help.