Acoustic Survey & Design Services
We provide acoustic survey and design services for residential, commercial, industrial and entertainment developments at planning, design development and compliance stages. Our work combines detailed on-site acoustic surveys with proportionate design advice, helping projects progress without unnecessary cost or delay.
Survey findings, acoustic design specifications and recommendations are set out in a clear formal report, with colour coded drawings and plans where appropriate to support interpretation, coordination and procurement.
Acoustic surveys and site measurements
Acoustic surveys and site measurements are often required to support planning applications, acoustic design work, compliance assessments and technical due diligence. Depending on the project, this may involve baseline environmental noise surveys, internal measurements, fixed plant noise impact assessment, building services review or more specialist investigation.
If a proposed development is subject to planning control, the Local Planning Authority may require an acoustic survey or noise survey to establish the existing sound environment and identify any mitigation needed. Where a project is being assessed under BREEAM, acoustic surveys may also be required to support the relevant acoustic credits.
Planning and design work is informed by national policy, current guidance and established acoustic standards. In some cases, this includes the effect levels referred to in National Planning Practice Guidance, namely:
- No Observable Effect Level (NOEL)
- Lowest Observable Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL)
- Significant Observable Adverse Effect Level (SOAEL)
We undertake surveys and assessments that reflect current planning methodology, together with the more detailed quantitative guidance set out in relevant British Standards and good practice documents.
In many cases, acoustic survey work also leads directly into the design of a mitigation scheme intended to minimise the impact of noise on quality of life while maintaining the feasibility of the proposed development.
Understanding the needs of every project
Each project presents a different set of acoustic constraints. Good acoustic design is not simply a matter of applying standard details without thought; it requires an understanding of the site, the proposed use, the planning context and the practical priorities of the client and design team.
We take time to understand what each project is trying to achieve and provide pragmatic, proportionate advice to help realise those aims. That may involve planning-led environmental noise assessment, acoustic design for residential layouts and façades, internal sound control, mitigation design or more specialist investigation where unusual constraints arise.
This can include work on building acoustic design with crossover into Approved Document E, and work towards compliance with Approved Document O.
Types of acoustic survey
We undertake a wide range of acoustic surveys for different project types, buildings, events and facilities. Where a Local Planning Authority or other body has requested a survey, they may specify the guidance or standards to be applied. We are familiar with the methodology of a wide range of commonly used documents, including:
- Pro PG – Planning and Noise
- BS 8233 : 2014 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 other standards and guidance documents that may be relevant depending on the source and type of development, including matters such as entertainment noise, mechanical services, kennels, wind turbines and other specialist uses. We can advise on what has been requested and the most appropriate way to address it.
Solutions and specifications
As part of many acoustic survey commissions, we also provide design input, mitigation advice and acoustic specifications for proposed development. This may include façade design, ventilation strategy implications, barrier concepts, layout advice, acoustic construction guidance or more detailed mitigation measures where required.
We aim to make this advice clear and workable. A Local Planning Authority or design team may require detailed technical information, while a client or contractor may benefit from a more concise summary that can be integrated with the wider design and procurement process. Our reports and recommendations are prepared accordingly.
David Garritt BEng MIOA
Director and Acoustic Consultant
Speak to an Acoustic Consultant
If you would like to talk to us about any aspect of acoustics and how we can help, please do not hesitate to contact us:
e-mail: contact@sdgarritt.co.uk
Phone: Doncaster main office, 01302 854 303
David Garritt’s mobile, 07894 073 973
Elizabeth Garritt BSc AMIOA
Acoustic Consultant