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The development of a new site or any change to the use of an existing site will require planning permission from the Local Planning Authority (LPA). If planning permission is granted the LPA may impose of variety of conditions covering noise and vibration issues associated with the development.

This applies whether considering a noise sensitive development in a noisy area or the introduction of a potentially noisy activity into a sensitive area. Evidence of compliance with these conditions is often required in order for them to be discharged and as such a consideration of the acoustic issues early in the design process is prudent in order to avoid potentially costly complications at a later stage. Planning guidance is currently contained within Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG) 24 Planning and Noise. Published in September 1994, PPG 24 sets out the Government’s policies on noise related planning issues. It gives guidance to local authorities on the use of their planning powers to minimise the adverse impact of noise. Specifically, it:

• outlines the considerations to be taken into account when determining planning applications for both noise-sensitive developments and for those activities which will generate noise;
• advises on the use of planning conditions to minimise the impact of noise.
  

Where appropriate PPG 24 makes reference to other relevant guidelines such as BS 4142 and BS 8233.

Using UKAS calibrated Type 1 integrating sound level meters, capable of recording a wide range of parameters, HRS services are experienced in carrying out a range of environmental noise surveys in accordance with the requirements of PPG 24, BS 8233 and BS 4142, together with the general guidance contained within BS 7445 Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise.

British Standard 4142

British Standard 4142:1997 ‘Method for rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas’ is intended to be used to assess whether noise from industrial premises and sources of an industrial nature in commercial premises is likely to give rise to complaints from people residing in nearby dwellings.

The procedure for assessing the likelihood of complaint, is to compare the measured or predicted noise level from the source in question immediately outside the dwelling, the ‘specific noise level’, with the existing background noise level. The specific, ambient and residual noise levels are measured in terms of LAeq,T values and the background noise level is measured in terms of an LA90 value. Where the specific noise contains a ‘distinguishable discrete continuous note (whine, hiss, screech, hum etc.) or if there are distinct impulses in the noise (bangs, clicks, clatters or thumps), or if the noise is irregular enough to attract attention’ then a correction of +5dB is added to the specific noise level to obtain the ‘rating level’

The likelihood of noise provoking complaints is assessed by subtracting the background noise level from the rating noise level. BS 4142 states:

“A difference of around 10dB or higher indicates that complaints are likely.
A difference of around 5dB is of marginal significance. A difference of -10dB is a positive indication that complaints are unlikely.”

Draft Guidelines for Noise Impact Assessment

The draft Guidelines for Noise Impact Assessment produced by the Institute of Acoustics/Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment Working Party can be used as a guide in predicting the effect of noise on sensitive receptors. The draft guidelines state that for any assessment, the noise level thresholds and the significance of the effect should be determined based upon the specific evidence and likely subjective response to the noise, taking into account existing baseline conditions, source characterisation and propagation conditions.

Noise Surveys

Using UKAS calibrated Type 1 integrating sound level meters, capable of recording a wide range of parameters, HRS services’ are experienced in carrying out a range of environmental noise surveys in accordance with the above standards, together with the general guidance contained within BS 7445 ‘Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise’.

Acoustics - Case Studies

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