Noise Impact Assessments for Planning Applications
Noise Impact Assessments (sometimes referred to as an NIA, noise assessment or noise survey) are commonly required to support planning applications where a proposed development may generate noise or be affected by existing non-traffic noise sources.
We prepare robust, proportionate noise impact assessments for submission to Local Planning Authorities across the UK, written to address planning policy and relevant British Standards. Our assessments are technically defensible and accurate while remaining practical for real sites and operations.
When is a Noise Impact Assessment required?
A Noise Impact Assessment is commonly required where a planning application involves:
• New residential development near existing noise sources,
• Commercial or industrial uses that may affect neighbouring receptors including extensions to existing premises.
• Mixed-use developments
• Mineral extraction / quarry sites
• Proposed Sporting facilities such as 3G pitches, Padel, also motorsport and entertainment venues
Noise Impact Assessments are also commonly required to support BREEAM POL 05 credits, where compliance with BS 4142 and related guidance is needed to demonstrate acceptable noise impact from fixed plant or industrial sources.
We undertake baseline measurements, assess likely impact, and provide clear, proportionate mitigation recommendations where necessary. Noise predictions are undertaken using the correct latest standard, ISO 9613-2 : 2024
Understanding your site and operation
Where mitigation is required, it is important that it is practical and does not unnecessarily restrict the operation of your site or business. We take time to understand the site layout, operating pattern and practical constraints so that any recommendations are workable.
Over the years we have assessed a wide variety of operations and environments, which helps us quickly identify the critical issues and focus effort where it matters. This is actually one of the pleasures of our work – we have learned a lot about a wide variety of industries including paint making, printing presses, flower importing, soil washing, potatoes, mineral extraction and many more.
Noise Impact Assessments for industrial and commercial developments (BS 4142)
For industrial and commercial developments, the most common standard used is BS 4142. To give it’s full name, BS4142:2014+A1:2019, ‘Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound’ has existed in various forms for several decades.
The most recent version is a very detailed document and provides an excellent basis for quantifying noise impact, but requires a good deal of experience and expertise to apply correctly and to interpret with pragmatism.
Where BS 4142 is applicable, we assess source sound levels, character, operating pattern and context, and provide clear conclusions and proportionate recommendations where required, in compliance with the government’s ‘Method Implementation Document.’
For quarry sites, there is different guidance on noise from mineral extraction contained in the NPPF for Local Authority planning submissions. For Environment Agency permit applications, the EA dictate that BS 4142 is used.
Noise Impact Assessments for residential development
Noise impact assessments for residential development may be required when there are existing commercial, industrial or other noise generating premises close to the proposed development site. Acoustic surveys for residential development also consider transportation noise (road, rail and air), involve internal noise criteria and façade design.
Further details on residential acoustic surveys can be found on the Acoustic Survey and Design page.
Noise Impact Assessments for Environment Agency permit applications
Where a site is subject to an Environment Agency permit application or variation, a noise impact assessment may be required to meet the Agency’s specific expectations for reporting and assessment detail.
We have experience preparing assessments for a range of permitted activities, including mineral extraction and associated industrial processes. waste recycling and inert waste processing, soil washing and land restoration.
Noise Impact Assessments for complaints, enforcement and Noise Abatement Notices
If you have received complaints about noise from your site, or the Local Planning Authority have issued a Noise Abatement Notice it can be somewhat concerning, but we can help.
In these situations, the priority is to establish what is occurring in practice, quantify the extent of any problem, and identify proportionate measures that resolve the issue without unnecessary disruption to the business or venue. working with you to find practicable solutions.
If you are facing noise complaints, please contact us to discuss the best way forward.
What our Noise Impact Assessment service includes
Our noise impact assessment service typically includes:
• Review of the proposed development and planning context
• Baseline environmental noise measurements
• Assessment using appropriate standards and guidance
• Prediction and noise modelling
• Clear conclusions and proportionate mitigation recommendations
• A report suitable for submission to the Local Planning Authority / Environment Agency
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