Noise Assessments
Need a Noise Assessment? A noise assessment can come in many shapes and sizes, be it for a planning application, a noise complaint, a simple baseline noise survey, or to assess the noise exposure to employees in the workplace.
Noise Assessments across the UK
ParkerJones Acoustics consultants are able to provide support on all types of noise assessments around the UK, from our locations in Bristol, London, and Glasgow.
We follow a pragmatic and sensible approach and are fully equipped to undertake any noise assessment throughout the UK . We have excellent working relationships with the environmental protection departments of many local authorities across the UK, with some even pointing new applicants in our direction.
Our noise assessments are crafted with a high level of attention to detail, studying local and national planning policy, and keeping up to date with the relevant guidelines, including the National Planning Policy Framework and the Control of Noise at Work Regulations.
What might a Noise Assessment be for?
Planning Applications for Noise Sensitive Development
A noise assessment is often used to show the effect of existing noise levels on a proposed development.
For example, a new residential development in a potentially noisy area will need a noise assessment to demonstrate how external noise ingress can be managed to achieve suitably low internal noise levels which are satisfactory for good living and sleeping conditions, in line with residential noise guidelines such as BS 8233, the ProPG, TAN 11 (Wales) and PAN 1/2011 (Scotland).
A noise generating development will need a noise assessment to demonstrate that it can manage the noise it generates to keep the noise impact on existing noise-sensitive buildings (i.e. residential properties) is kept to an acceptably low level.
For example, a new factory, warehouse, or depot would need a BS 4142 noise assessment to ensure that it’s noise emissions do not cause an increase in existing background noise levels outside of residential windows and gardens.
Planning Applications for Noise Generating Development
Noise Complaints and Retrospective Planning Applications
Noise generating developments and plant can often be implemented without the proper planning permission. For example, many people assume that domestic air conditioning plant is ‘permitted development’ and go ahead and install, but later find that a retrospective planning application is required once brought to the attention of the Local Planning Authority, usually because of a neighbours (valid) complaint.
A noise assessment would be required to demonstrate whether an adverse impact has been caused and if so, provide recommendations on how to mitigate against it.
Noise induced hearing loss can occur when someone is exposed to loud or persistent excessive noise. Hearing can deteriorate gradually from regular exposure to excessive noise levels, or can occasionally occur from short duration but extremely high peak noise levels. The most common cause is from noise in the workplace.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 protect workers against risks to their health and safety due to excessive noise at work. The legislation requires any employer within a workplace where noise levels regularly reach 80 dB to complete a risk assessment that outlines the measures taken to protect workers hearing health.
Noise at Work Risk Assessment (noise induced hearing loss)
Types of Noise Assessment
Baseline Noise Surveys
Noise surveys can be required for nearly all types of development as part of planning application. We can conduct short term attended noise surveys or long-term unattended noise monitoring. We provide a nationwide service, conducting noise surveys to support initial planning applications, discharging planning conditions. We could be at your site the next day, so talk to one of our noise experts.
Residential Noise Impact Assessments
To gain planning permission for a residential development the applicant is typically required to submit a noise assessment which considers the impact of noise on the health and amenities of the future occupants of the dwellings. This is based upon local planning policy and government guidelines including the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), BS 8233, the ProPG, and the AVO guide.
Industrial Noise Impact Assessments
Noise pollution from mechanical plant and equipment requires a noise impact assessment to consider the impact on local residents, in accordance with BS 4142:2014. We conduct assessments for small scale machinery, up to large industrial developments such as factories, depots, waste from energy plants, recycling centres, and power stations.
Retail and Restaurants Noise Assessments
Many high street premises require a noise assessment, particularly with flats above. Kitchen extract fans, air conditioning units, and chillers, can all generate significant levels of noise. ParkerJones Acoustics can turn around noise assessments for commercial outlets quickly and efficiently, so give us a call today.
Our noise at work surveys are conducted during day to day operations with small clip on 'dosimeters', with no disruption to the working day.
Noise at Work Surveys (Occupational Noise)
A noise at work survey is regularly required by law for employees subject to long periods of sustained exposure to high noise levels. Employers must follow the Control of Noise at Work Regulations set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), taking action to reduce the noise exposure to workers. An occupational noise assessment is a legal requirement.
Public Events Noise Assessments
Music festivals, concerts, wedding venues, sporting stadia, outdoor activities like zip lines… these all generate noise, and that noise needs to be assessed. We have a good track record of helping out clients put on both permanent and temporary events.
Comprehensive assessments for planning applications, and for S61 applications to avoid S60 enforcement under the COPA, in accordance with BS 5228.
Construction Noise Monitoring (BS 5228)
Construction noise assessments are an important aspect of creating a noise and vibration management plan. This is often required under a planning condition, or under a Section 61 application, gaining prior consent for construction works and demonstrating that noise emissions will be controlled using best available techniques.
Comprehensive noise impact assessments in accordance with ETSU-R-97, IOA good practice guidance, and variations on the assessments methodology between Local Planning Authorities.
Wind Farm/Turbine Noise Surveys
A wind turbine noise assessment in accordance with ETSU-R-97 is a legal requirement before the development of any new wind turbine/farm, from single turbine to large scale Section 36 farms. Our robust approach stands up to scrutiny from the Local Planning Authority. We offer site specific turbine surveys and desktop noise assessments.
Entertainment Noise Assessments
For developments such as pubs, clubs, bars, music venues, festivals, places of worship, or other entertainment/leisure premises which produce high noise levels, through music or amplified speech, you may require an entertainment noise survey. Our noise assessments support planning, licencing, and noise abatement appeals.
We are able to survey and test indoor ambient noise levels, reverberation times, sound insulation, speech intelligibility, and noise pollution to nearby residents.
BREEAM Noise Assessments
Noise surveys and assessments to achieve acoustic related credits under Hea 05 and Pol 05 of BREEAM. Our noise assessments can support any type of building in demonstrating compliance with BREEAM acoustic performance standards. We are ‘suitably qualified acousticians’, able to comply with Hea 05 and Pol 05 of BREEAM.
Short and long term vibration monitoring in accordance with BS 6472 near roads, railways and source of industrial vibration.
Vibration Surveys
A vibration survey is commonly required to assess the risk of human exposure to vibration in buildings which sit close to roads, railways, and industrial facilities. Our vibration surveys and assessments in accordance with BS 6472 are designed to support new developments which are to be constructed close to vibration sources, or existing properties with vibration complaints.
Noise Assessment Guidelines
BS 8233:2014 ‘Guidance on Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for Buildings’
This is the most commonly referenced guideline in local planning policy and planning conditions. The guidelines suggests appropriate criteria and limits for different situations. This includes internal and external noise criteria for residential developments.
The Professional Practice Guidance on Planning and Noise (ProPG)
The ProPG, published in 2017, is a design guide for new residential development that are exposed predominantly to airborne noise from transport sources. It is considered to be the most relevant and up to date design standard for assessing the noise impact on new residential developments.
WHO ‘Guidelines for Community Noise’
Also commonly referenced within local planning policy, the Guidelines for Community Noise sets out guidance as to noise levels at which there will be an unacceptable impact on residential dwellings. This guidance considers many different types of noise sources., including those associated with schools.
BS 4142:2014 ‘Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound’
If an development has a mechanical ventilation system, then a BS 4142 noise assessment will be needed 99% of the time. It is intended to be used to assess the potential adverse impact of sound of an industrial and/or commercial nature, at nearby noise-sensitive receptor (NSR) locations within the context of the existing sound environment.
Environmental permitting: H3 - Horizontal Guidance for Noise Part 2 – Noise Assessment and Control
Guidance produced by the Environment Agency for England and Wales in collaboration with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Northern Ireland Environment and Heritage Service (EHS)
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 places a duty on employers to ensure that noise exposure levels are controlled. There may be a requirement to provide (and enforce the wearing of personal hearing protection), conduct ongoing health surveillance/hearing tests, and continually assess procedures and working patterns within the workplace.
- The Calculation of Road Traffic Noise for new or changed road schemes
- Calculation of Railway Noise for railways
- ETSU-R-97 and the Institute of Acoustics Good Practice Guide for the assessment of wind turbine noise.
- The Planning Practice Guidance on Minerals Extraction
Not sure? We’ll send you an example Noise Assessment report.
just email us at info@parkerjonesacoustics.com
Noise Surveys
Baseline Noise Surveys
Our surveyors can get to sites all over the UK and can conduct noise surveys spanning between a couple of hours to several weeks. Call now and we could be at your site in 2-3 days.
Operational Noise Surveys
Noise surveys are regularly required to demonstrate compliance once the development has been built, to satisfy a planning condition, meet the buidling regulations, or comply with government health and safety law.
Construction Noise Surveys (BS 5228)
If a development is in a dense urban area, it may be appropriate to assess construction noise. Whilst construction noise is somewhat inevitable, there are ways of mitigating and managing it to minimise the impact as much as possible. Hence a construction noise survey and construction noise mangement plan are conducted.
High Quality Noise Survey Reports
Our noise survey reports leave no stone unturned. But don't worry, they are also structured in a way which is easy to follow. Our noise survey reports tell a clear story which instills confidence with the Environmental Healh Officer (EHO), and is clear to the client about the next steps. they need to take.
Do I need a site visit to conduct a Noise Survey as part of the Noise Assessment?
The most frequent reason for needing a noise survey is part of a noise impact assessment for a planning application.
A noise survey is commonly required when developing a noise sensitive development such as residential house, apartment or hotel, an educational facility like a school or university, or a healthcare facility.
If the site is near to a transort noise source like a busy road, railway, or airport, or perhaps an entertainment venue or bar, or even an industrial facility or a quarry… then it is likely the Local Planning Authority will request a BS 8233 noise survey (or a ProPG noise assessment) to be undertaken. The aim of this is to ensure that reasonable internal and external amenity noise levels can be achieved at the new development to allow the occupants to live, learn, or work without undue disturbance from noise.
On the other hand, many developments generate noise themselves. If a development (no matter how big or small) has external plant such as air conditioning units, chillers, generators, or extraction fans, then this noise could have an impact on nearby properties. Therefore in these cases, the Local Planning Authority are likely to ask for a BS 4142 noise survey, to minimise this potential adverse noise impact.
Lastly, in some cases a development may need to consider the temporary noise impact it generates from construction noise, in accordance with BS 5228, as part of an S61 application.
The overall aim is to following the National Planning and Policy Framework and Noise Policy Statement for England.
Noise Assessments throughout the UK
We work around the country to carry out noise assessments from south England, to west Wales, to North Scotland. Many of our noise assessments are conducted near to major UK cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Nottingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Swansea.
Even if you’re based outside the UK, get in touch, we may be able to help.
Give ParkerJones Acoustics a call, where you’ll get a fair and honest evaluation at a competitive price, wherever you need your noise survey.
What developments do we conduct Noise Assessments for?
ResidentialNoise Assessments
Houses, flats, and student residential to the ProPG, BS 8233, WHO, and AVO guidelines
IndustrialNoise Assessments
Factories, workshops, depots, recycling centres, power stations in accordance with BS 4142
EducationNoise Assessments
Schools, colleges, and universities to BB93 and BREEAM
HealthcareNoise Assessments
Hospitals, care homes, and medical centres to HTM 08-01
CommercialNoise Assessments
Cellular and open plan offices and retail in accordance with BREEAM and BCO
EntertainmentNoise Assessments
Theatres, auditoriums, music venues, cinemas, pubs, clubs, broadcast & recording studios
LeisureNoise Assessments
Leisure centres, sports pitches, MUGAs, skate parks, stadiums, zip lines, swimming pools
Public ServicesNoise Assessments
Police stations, fire stations, law courts, libraries, transport depots
Noise Assessment specialists you can rely on
"ParkerJones Acoustics recently helped us to discharge a planning condition and was very professional and accommodating. Chris (director) worked alongside us to model various window configurations of the property to establish where acoustic mitigation measures were required. This enabled our client to address matters strategically rather than simply blanketing the whole site with the worst-case scenario, in turn saving our client time and money. I would not hesitate to recommend ParkerJones Acoustics and I look forward to working alongside him soon."
"I have recently used the services of ParkerJones Acoustics to carry out a Noise Impact Assessment as part of a planning condition for an industrial development my company was building in the Scottish Highlands. From their same day quote to their equally prompt site visit and final report I have had a truly excellent service from this company, especially in comparison to some of the larger companies I have used in the past who were considerably more expensive. I am genuinely pleased to say I would have no hesitation in recommending Chris and his team at ParkerJones Acoustics to any business or individual requiring their services."
"Within 48 hours of contacting ParkerJones Acoustics, they were on site and collecting the information he needed. Chris (director) took the time to understand our business proposal; and he was so easy to work with and very friendly and we had a very professional and detailed report in our inbox within a week. A fantastic service that we would not hesitate to recommend, thank you!"
"We approached ParkerJones Acoustics for advice regarding a Noise Impact Assessment for a planning application. We cannot thank him enough for the prompt replies we received, the professional manner of his approach and the knowledge and expertise he had of the technical and planning issues. We would use Chris (director) of ParkerJones Acoustics) again and highly recommend him and his company."
"Chris has provided us with an excellent service, he's swift at responding and very knowledgeable in his area of work. We needed a noise survey undertaken due to an unauthorised installation of extraction fans at a local sports club close to our home. His report, which he turned around in 24 hours for us, was professional, clear to read and interpret. I highly recommend ParkerJones Acoustics Consultants."
"We sourced ParkerJones Acoustics consultants to help us with our planning application for a wedding venue. We found Chris (director) to be incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and professional in helping to produce a fully comprehensive noise assessment which resulted in a positive planning application. Communication was second to none and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his service."
"I can’t recommend ParkerJones highly enough. I engaged Chris (director) to produce a noise and vibration report for residential air conditioning and was extremely impressed with the level of communication and professionalism throughout the process. The final report was of exceptionally high quality and I will happily reccomend them to anyone"
"ParkerJones Acoustics provided our client with a very comprehensive Noise Impact Assessment report in support of a planning application for a micro-bar in the centre of Shifnal. A competitively priced service which was delivered in fast response to the Planning Authority's request. The application was successful. Thank you Chris!"
"Parker Jones Acoustics provides a fantastic, efficient service with excellent attention to detail. Within two days we had noise monitoring taking place capturing data on site - under a week and the report (incredibly informative without being too wordy) had arrived. Highly recommended!!"
"Chris was very knowledgeable and professional. We were seeking planning permission for a cafe and this was granted in part due to the excellent report by ParkerJones Acoustics. Chris really listens to the specific detailed requirements set out by his clients. Thanks very much Chris."
"I can’t recommend ParkerJones Acoustics highly enough. I engaged Chris to produce a noise and vibration report for residential air conditioning and was extremely impressed with the level of communication and professionalism throughout the process. The final report was of exceptionally high quality and I will happily recommend them to anyone."
"ParkerJones Acoustics carried out an acoustic survey for us in a planning application for a new home. They were very professional in their approach and both Chris and Tom were very easy to deal with. Their recommendations seemed fair and balanced and we are hoping the council will agree. It was an expense we could have done without, but their fee seemed reasonable and includes any follow up from the planners, so we would have no hesitation in recommending them."
"Used Parker Jones Acoustics on a project in Dundee. Noise assessment was a last minute requirement from local planners and could have severely delayed things. Chris got on board quickly, engaged with the planning team and was able to fast track the assessment. Result = positive planning decision 4 weeks later. ParkerJones Acoustics are now part of our team for future projects"
"Carried out a Noise Assessment report for a listed building which achieved planning permission. Delivered promptly and professionally. Extremely pleased with the service and would happily recommend and use their services in future."
"Excellent speedy response from ParkerJones Acoustics, and high-quality report provided in support of our planning application. Really impressed."
"Chris at Parker Jones Acoustics has been faultless. We had a deadline to hit and he was very proactive around reaching that deadline, even in the current climate of COVID19. I've been very impressed and equally was my planning consultant very impressed"
"ParkerJones Acoustics were pro-active in addressing difficulties in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Their experience and endeavour shone through the alternative quotes I obtained, and the finalreport exceeded my expectation; an impressive piece of work delivered in very good time. A happy customer; thank you Chris"
"Chris was most helpful, responding quickly and professionally to our request for a noise survey. He sent the results to us within a day which was much appreciated. I would definately recommend his service, and would also use his company again Thank you"
"Used this company to perform a noise and vibration survey for my air conditioning planning permission. It was handled very professionally, good advice given and quick turnaround. Very happy with the service."
"Great service from ParkerJones Acoustics, clear fast communication, fast turn around on work and competitive prices. I would highly recommend for any acoustic work."
"I needed some guidance in a hurry and Chris was on the end of the line with a very clear no nonsense reply. Very much appreciated"
"I reached out for some support on an acoustic related issue that we see troubleshooting at our plant. The support I got was excellent and very thorough."
"ParkerJones Acoustics helped significantly reduce the echo in our office by recommending acoustic treatment and sound insulation fittings. We’re now finding it much easier to work without disturbance and are able to use our meeting spaces without worrying about confidential conversations being overheard."
"I received an excellent, well informed and quick service. Chris has the expertise expected and is a true professional. Thank you."
"On behalf of Cantor Properties - Fantastic company, great service. Efficient, with a high level of professionalism. Would highly recommend!"
"Very economic and efficient. Helpful and very informative. Definitely use again on future schemes."
"Chris Parker Jones carried out an excellent noise assessment for us, detailed and yet easy to follow. Easy to contact and very helpful follow ups. Very professional."
"Thank you very much for the investigation you performed and the report you wrote which has helped us with a persistent noise problem from a neighbouring business."
"Highly professional and no issues at all. Would recommend to anyone. Answered all our questions. Gave a report which perfectly answered all the councils requirements."
"Joy to work with and went above and beyond for us to satisfy the landlords requirements. Highly recommended and will be using again for the rest of our sites."
"Wow! I messaged Chris on the website at 11am, and by 2pm he'd emailed me with diagrams and examples and an amazing breakdown of solutions. I am so thoroughly impressed."
"Very professional and helped me get through a tricky project. I would definitely recommend ParkerJones Acoustics to my clients. 5 star service!"
"Was very happy with the information provided by ParkerJones Acoustics. Chris was very helpful, being clear and thorough with all communications."
"Chris' deep expertise is matched by his focus on giving you only the input you need, instead of everything he could potentially bill you for. I wish other professionals operated on the same footing."
"Fantastic communication and extremely professional. All our questions answered and did an amazing job with the report for the council. Highly recommend if you do not want any hassle get in touch."
"ParkerJones Acoustics exceeded expectations; quick turn around on the report, great communication and a friendly service. We will be using them on our other projects!"
"On behalf of Cantor Properties - Fantastic company, great service. Efficient, with a high level of professionalism. Would highly recommend!"
"Chris (director) really is an expert & knows exactly what he is talking about which is a rarity these days. He replied promptly by email to my initial enquiry and followed up with a phone chat to discuss in greater detail the problem of the noise nuisance I have been experiencing from the flat above. Chris is a great listener and proposed a couple of solutions which he then sent on by email within an hour and which I am now following up. He also wants to know the outcome- a true professional and I would definitely recommend him. I cant thank him enough for his invaluable advice and insight."
"I contacted ParkerJones Acoustics after moving into a noisy 1st floor flat. I had no idea about what solutions were a available and after doing my own research I had become very confused. Chris responded to my email almost immediately, and clearly explained about the available products and offered his professional advice about my best course of action. Because of the information Chris gave me, I now feel much more reassured that there is a solution to my very annoying noise problem. I would not hesitate to recommend ParkerJones Acoustics to anybody who has a noise problem."
We had ParkerJones Acoustics to assist us with a noise problem in a recently purchased residential flat. Chris provided a fantastic service. He was extremely responsive and the work that Chris did was a very high standard. His knowledge of the subject is amazing. I would not hesitate to recommend Chris and ParkerJones Acoustics
"Chris (director) is fantastic. Lovely guy. Friendly efficient and honest. My new music room is superb and I couldn't have got the result I did without his help. I would refer and definitely use again."
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Talk to a Noise Consultant about your Noise Assessment requirements
How can one our noise experts help? Noise assessment for a residential development? Noise pollution assessment for an industrial facility?
- 0800 830 3338
- info@parkerjonesacoustics.com
- 11 Bankside Road, Bristol, BS4 4LB
- 29 Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn, London, WC2A 3EE
- 126 West Regent Street, Glasgow, G2 2RQ
- parkerjonesacoustics
Acoustics.
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