Noise Surveys
A noise survey can be required for nearly all types of development. Be it a baseline noise survey for a planning application, or an operational noise survey to assess plant noise emissions. Noise (and vibration) surveys and noise impact assessments are our core service as an acoustic consultant.
Noise Survey Experts across the UK
As experts in noise surveying, we have years of experience conducting noise surveys and noise impact assessments for a wide range of projects, across the UK.
Our noise consultants provide a nationwide service, conducting noise surveys to support initial planning applications, discharging planning conditions, environmental permits, occupational noise at work assessments, or noise investigations post-occupancy.
As a small independent acoustic consultancy, we pride ourselves in providing a noise survey and noise impact assessment which is comprehensive, competitively price, and clearly communicated, cutting back on the jargon.
We’re happy conducting noise surveys for BS 8233, BS 4142, BB93, BS 7445, HTM 08-01, BS 5228-1, PPG 24, the ProPG, and many more.
What is a Noise Survey for?
Measuring the existing ambient noise environment
When dealing with new developments, we need to think about the impact that noise in the surrounding area will have on the future occupants. We also must be considerate of the noise generated by the development impacting on other existing properties in the area. For both of these reasons, we need to determine what the baseline levels of noise around the site are.
Monitoring operational noise emissions
On the other hand, perhaps our development is already built? We may need to survey noise emissions from mechanical plant to demonstrate compliance with a BS 4142 related planning condition. Or in high noise workplaces, a noise at work risk assessment and survey is often required by law.
How can our Noise Consultants help?
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 Noise Survey for a Planning Application?
The most frequent reason for needing a noise survey or noise impact assessment is for planning permission.
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.
Types of Noise Survey
Comprehensive noise impact assessments in accordance with local planning policy, the ProPG, BS 8233:2014, WHO, TAN 11, AVO, and DMRB guidelines.
Residential Noise Surveys (BS 8233)
A baseline noise survey and noise impact assessment is required to ensure adequate living and sleeping conditions for the future occupants of proposed residential developments, by designing the facade and ventilation strategy to limit external noise ingress. We specialise in offering a robust and comprehensive noise survey and assessment to support your planning application.
Industrial Plant Noise Surveys (BS 4142)
A plant/industrial noise assessment is regularly required for any new industrial development, to limit the impact on nearby noise-sensitive receptors in accordance with BS 4142:2014. Further noise monitoring is often conducted once operational, as part of discharging planning conditions and obtaining an environmental permit, as well as achieving credits under BREEAM.
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.
Detailed noise reports for schools, colleges, and universities in accordance with acoustic criteria from BB93, BS 4142, BREEAM, and WHO guidelines.
Education Noise Surveys/Assessments (BB93)
A noise impact assessment for a school must consider two aspects. Firstly, the impact of noise ingress on students ability to concentrate and learn, meeting BB93 internal noise targets. Secondly, noise emissions from the school impacting on existing local residents, including plant noise, activity noise, and playground/MUGA/sports pitch noise. A noise survey is nearly always necessary.
Detailed noise surveys in accordance with HTM 08-01 internal noise level guidelines, and BS 4142 for noise pollution from mechanical plant.
Healthcare Noise Surveys (HTM-08-01)
Internal noise conditions are important for patient well-being, therefore an external noise survey aids in ensuring the facade is designed appropriately to mitigate against external noise intrusion. Healthcare facilities also generate a lot of noise through mechanical plant and ambulance sirens, hence a baseline noise survey is needed to assess noise pollution.
Our detailed noise assessments are in accordance with local planning policy, BS 8233:2014, WHO guidelines, Tan 11, CRTN, and DMRB guidelines.
Traffic Noise/Vibration Surveys
The noise impact of any new proposed infrastructure should be assessed, with the support of a transportation noise assessment. Whether it be road, rail, or aviation, a noise (and/or vibration) survey is likely to be necessary to protect the amenities of local residents. We’re able to conduct long term monitoring of noise, vibration and weather conditions to investigate traffic noise complaints.
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.
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 Surveys
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 Survey 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.
BB93 - Building Bulletin 93 - Acoustic Design of Schools
The mandatory guidelines under the Building Regulations. BB93 is a specific acoustic design standard which applies to schools and higher education facilities. All new and refurbished/change of use schools must follow the internal noise level criteria within.
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 5228 ‘Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites – Part 1: Noise’
The go to construction noise guidelines with appropriate noise limits, typical noise levels from construction activites, and a methodology for predicting levels of construction noise. BS 5228 Part 2 also covers vibration from construction sites.
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.
Noise Surveys throughout the UK
We regularly travel around the country to carry out noise surveys from south England, to west Wales, to North Scotland, and even occasionally over the Irish Sea. Many of our noise surveys 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 Surveys for?
ResidentialNoise Surveys
Houses, flats, and student residential to the ProPG, BS 8233, WHO, and AVO guidelines
IndustrialNoise Surveys
Factories, workshops, depots, recycling centres, power stations in accordance with BS 4142
EducationNoise Surveys
Schools, colleges, and universities to BB93 and BREEAM
HealthcareNoise Surveys
Hospitals, care homes, and medical centres to HTM 08-01
CommercialNoise Surveys
Cellular and open plan offices and retail in accordance with BREEAM and BCO
EntertainmentNoise Surveys
Theatres, auditoriums, music venues, cinemas, pubs, clubs, broadcast & recording studios
LeisureNoise Surveys
Leisure centres, sports pitches, MUGAs, skate parks, stadiums, zip lines, swimming pools
Public ServicesNoise Surveys
Police stations, fire stations, law courts, libraries, transport depots
Can a Noise Survey be done during COVID-19?
It depends on the type of noise survey that is required. Of course the lack of traffic on the roads and people on the streets does mean thing that things are quieter than usual.
But this doesn’t mean that there isn’t an alternative method of asessing noise through reviewing historical noise survey data, using complex noise mapping calculations, and sourcing data from Government strategic noise mapping studies. This is a method that is endorsed by the industry bodies in acoustics (the IOA and the ANC), and is being accepted by Local Planning Authorities.
During COVID-19, ParkerJones Acoustics are offering this service at a reduced price. If a planning condition is then attached that requires a site noise survey later on when things return to ‘normal’, then we can conduct the survey and update our report at cost which tops up the overall price to what we would have originally quoted. This means there is no risk of repeating work and additional costs to our clients.
Noise Surveys in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Lockdown
The coronavirus lockdown has put a temporary stop to noise surveys. But, we believe noise assessments can still be done without a noise survey.
Noise Survey 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."
Noise Survey Articles
Expanding our Noise Assessment Capacity
Whilst we’re in the COVID-19 lockdown and get out for noise surveys right now, we’ve still decided to invest in another set of noise surveying equipment
Making sense of Noise Surveys
When do I need a noise survey, why do we do them, and how do I make sense of all this jargon in my noise survey report? Noise assessments explained.
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Talk to a Noise Consultant about your Noise Survey requirements
How can one our noise experts help? Noise survey for a residential development? Noise monitoring for construction?
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- info@parkerjonesacoustics.com
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