Noise Assessment that Gets Planning Approval

The requirements for Noise 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.

A Noise 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 Noise Assessment service to our clients, complementing our other services.

We can provide an accurate assessment of your proposals in accordance with all relevant guidance and standards including but not limited to:

• PPG 24 – Planning and Noise (officially withdrawn but still generally applied due to the lack of new guidance in NPPF)
• BS4142 – Rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial sources
• BS8233 – Sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings
• Department of Transport “Calculation of Road Traffic Noise
• Building Research Establishment “Sound Control for Homes”

In addition to accurately assessing and categorising the development, mitigation advice will be offered to limit the impact of noise.

The mitigation measures proposed will be suitable for the development and its surroundings, whilst maintaining minimal cost to the client.

These are some frequently asked questions when commissioning a Noise Assessment:

Do I need a Noise 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.