Acoustic Assessment to Discharge Your Planning Application

An Acoustic Assessment provides reporting of either the prevailing environmental sound environment or specific sound. Typically, assessments could be undertaken to meet the requirements of a few British Standards and guidance documents.

The requirements for Acoustic Assessment is further defined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which states that ‘Planning policies and decisions should aim to:

• Avoid noise from giving rise to significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life as a result of new development.
• Mitigate and reduce to a minimum other adverse impacts on health and quality of life arising from noise from new development, including through the use of conditions.
• Recognise that development will often create some noise and existing businesses wanting to develop in continuance of their business should not have unreasonable restrictions put on them because of changes in nearby land uses since they were established.
• Identify and protect areas of tranquillity which have remained relatively undisturbed by noise and are prized for their recreational and amenity value for this reason.

An Acoustic Assessment should be considered where:

• You are proposing to introduce or modify a noise source which could affect the surroundings such as a nearby residential development.
• You are proposing a development that is adjacent to existing noise sources such as road traffic or rail noise.

To meet your requirements and ensure you remain compliant, Lustre Consulting’s experienced noise assessors to offer a comprehensive Acoustic Assessment service to our clients. We can provide an accurate assessment of your proposals in accordance with all relevant guidance and standards including but not limited to:

• BS4142.2014: ‘Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound’ Where new external plant is installed as part of a new or existing development, local planning authorities shall often require the noise emission to be assessed against this standard. Also, often in conjunction with BS4142 local planning authorities will also require certain planning conditions to be achieved.
• BS8233:2014 ‘Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings’ Local planning authorities can require guidance for acceptable ambient noise levels within given planning scenarios.
• BS6472-1:2008 ‘Guide to evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings. Vibration sources other than blasting’

This standard is often quoted by local planning authorities where vibration sources are located close to sensitive residential receptors. Typical assessment is often centred around the Vibration Dose Value (VDV) in all axis.

In addition to accurately assessing and categorising the development, remedial advice will be offered to limit the impact of noise. The remedial works proposed will be suitable for the development and its surroundings, whilst maintaining minimal cost to the client.

Do I need an Acoustic Assessment?
Do you have any planning conditions attached to your planning permission? If so, the conditions may have details which require a Noise Assessment or Acoustic Assessment. These terms are often interchangeable for the same type of report.

How is the noise monitoring done?
Our noise consultant uses specialist microphone equipment to record noise at the site over a set period. This may include leaving equipment in a secure location for an extended period, or a manned survey.

What happens if I have a noise problem?
Once a noise source has been identified during our monitoring survey, we will assess the levels of noise and the impact they may have on indoor and outdoor spaces. Our reports include recommendations on measure to mitigate and reduce noise to an acceptable level.

How long will it take to prepare a Noise Assessment?
For delivery of our Noise Assessment report we will usually require two to three weeks from receipt of formal instruction (if traffic information is readily available). However, we will always strive to meet your deadline if it falls within this timeframe. It is worth noting that our reporting is dependent on access to the site and good weather conditions for our noise monitoring.

How can I be sure I need a Noise Assessment Report?
If you are unsure as to whether you require a Noise Assessment Report, please give us a call, so together we can discuss your requirements. Alternatively, please send an email to info@lustreconsulting.com and provide us with the site location and description of the proposed development.