Environmental Noise

With increased pressure on land, the potential for residential area’s and noise sources, be they industrial plant, roads, railways, airports etc  to be sited in close proximity grows ever greater.  Resulting noise exposure can cause considerable noise annoyance with the potential for a wide range of health effects including elevated stress and sleep deprivation.  Consequently objections and complaints are commonplace and require investigation.

We undertake noise measurements relating to the following situations:

• Planning application Noise Surveys

• Noise impact assessments

• Investigation of nuisance complaints

• Site monitoring to ensure compliance with planning consent or IPPC permits.

A variety of guidance is available relating to environmental noise, though specific documents include PPG24 Planning Policy Guidance on Noise, BS4142:1997 “Rating Industrial Noise Affecting Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas” and BS 5228:1997 “Noise and vibration control on construction and open sites”.

PPG24

When considering applications for residential development local planning authorities frequently require a noise survey in order to demonstrate a site’s suitability. Typically the authorities require a noise assessment in accordance with PPG24 to be submitted with the planning application. PPG24 is regularly used to place acoustic planning conditioning on potential developments, depending on ambient noise levels. The guidance introduces the concept of noise exposure categories which depending upon which category a site falls into can determine the likely noise mitigation measures required. We can also assess ground-borne vibration levels, which may also be required, particularly if the proposed development is close to railway lines.

BS4142

The likely impact of “industrial” noise can be assessed through the procedure set out in BS4142 “Rating Industrial Noise Affecting Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas”. This assessment can be used to support planning applications or investigate the likelihood of complaints occurring from industrial plant.

Contact Air Tech Environmental Consultants now for a cost effective, competitive noise risk assessment.