If you are planning a residential development in an urban area, or in an area affected by noise, to accompany the planning application, you will need a residential noise survey. Noise assessments from a noise consultant will assist in determining whether the site is suitable for housing and whether additional mitigation is required, such as glazing, ventilation or noise barriers. Many planning applications require noise assessments and noise survey reports regardless of size.Typically our noise surveys will take place over a 24 hour period. We use the noise monitoring results to calculate noise levels within the proposed dwellings in accordance with BS 8233 and the Pro-PG to determine the minimum standard of glazing required to provide suitable internal noise levels, as well as determine whether the windows can be opened to deal with overheating. We consider noise in gardens and amenity spaces and then provide a technical noise assessment report to be submitted to the Local Planning Authority in support of the planning application or prior approval.
Any item of plant development that has the potential to generate noise and affect other people often require noise assessments to accompany its planning application. We conduct plant noise assessments for air conditioning units, kitchen extract fans, air source heat pumps, air handling units and any other externally mounted plant.We conduct our assessments in accordance with BS 4142, which is the adopted method for assessing the impact of commercial and industrial noise sources. Consequently, we would normally conduct a noise survey in the vicinity of the your site at the quietest time that the noise source would be operational.Consequently, our noise assessment and surveys will take place over a 24 hour period on the development . We will then use the noise monitoring results and predictions of the noise source to help determine its impact. If necessary, we can also offer a range of advice to help reduce the noise from the plant to help achieve planning approval. We can also advise on suitable products in our noise assessment (such as enclosures, attenuators and barriers) to mitigate noise.
Any commercial or industrial development that has the potential to have an impact would require a noise assessment. Typical applications include:
• Cafes, restaurants & pubs
• Warehouses & industrial estates
• Factories, transport hubs and recycling centres
• Schools, sports stadia and sports training facilities
• Hotels, care homes and student accommodation
As noise consultants, we conduct our assessments in accordance with BS 4142. Therefore, we would typically conduct a noise survey in the vicinity of the your site at the quietest time that the noise source would be operational. Often our noise surveys will take place over a 24 hour period. We will then use the noise monitoring results and predictions of the noise source to help determine its impact. Typical noise sources include:
• Noise from loading/unloading
• Traffic and car park noise
• Plant noise
• Noise from people using the facilities
• Entertainment noise, such as live music and nightclubs
If your planning application involves new dwellings, added traffic, or is located in a sensitive area, an air quality assessment may be requiNoise assessments are essential for residential and commercial developments—especially in urban areas, near transport routes, or where new noise sources are introduced. We provide expert noise surveys and reports in full compliance with BS 8233, BS 4142, and ProPG guidance.red. We provide expert reports including dispersion modelling, dust and odour assessments, and full compliance with Defra, IAQM, and London Plan requirements.
Noise assessments are essential for understanding how noise sources affect residential and commercial developments. A noise impact assessment identifies potential issues from nearby roads, railways, industrial activity, or proposed plant installations such as air source heat pumps. A noise risk assessment is often required at the early planning stages to determine whether noise could pose a constraint to development. These noise assessments evaluate both existing and future noise environments, helping to assess a site’s suitability for residential use. If necessary, the acoustic report outlines mitigation strategies—such as acoustic fencing, glazing specifications, or plant screening—to ensure internal and external noise levels meet national guidelines.
Our detailed noise assessment reports support planning applications, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimising objections. We regularly provide noise assessments for residential schemes, schools, and commercial buildings, offering practical solutions tailored to each site’s context.
BS 8233:2014 provides guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings. It is particularly important for residential developments where controlling noise levels within buildings is critical for occupant comfort and wellbeing. A BS 8233 noise survey assesses the impact of environmental noise and ensures compliance with recommended noise limits. A BS 8233 assessment is usually required for residential planning applications.
A BS 8233 noise survey involves on-site measurements to assesses the levels of environmental noise at the location of the proposed development. Equipment like a sound level meter is used to capture noise data over a 24-hour period or longer to account for variations between the daytime and nighttime. The data is then analysed against the recommended noise thresholds for different building types of BS 8233. If noise exceeds the acceptable levels, mitigation measures would be proposed. Mitigation includes acoustic barriers, site layout changes, acoustic glazing and mechanical ventilation.
A BS 4142:2014+A:2019 survey assesses the impact of industrial and commercial noise on nearby residential areas or sensitive receptors. It compares the noise generated by sources like factories or HVAC systems with the representative background noise levels at the locations of the receptors.
The duration of a noise survey depends on the type and complexity of the assessment. For example, BS 8233 and BS 4142 surveys usually involve on-site noise monitoring over 24 hours. The analysis and reporting process typically take 1-2 weeks from the first site visit to be completed and issued.
Key information includes the project location, detailed site plants, details of the development (e.g., residential units or new commercial plant), and specific requirements from the local planning authority, like planning conditions. For the assessment of any plant noise, details about the noise sources (e.g, sound level data, machinery and hours of operation) are essential. Providing precise and detailed information ensures the survey meets planning needs and any other requirements.
Not always. A noise survey is typically required for developments that are situated near to busy roads, railways, industrial areas, or other significant sources of noise. This includes new installations of plant which are situated close to an existing residential area.
Yes, we offer vibration assessments. These are often required for developments that are situated near to railway lines, construction sites, or heavy industrial areas. Our assessments include on-site vibration monitoring and analysis.
Yes, we offer construction noise assessments inline with BS 5228:2009+A1:2014. BS 4142 provides guidance on managing noise and vibration from construction and demolition activities. Our services include noise monitoring, predicting potential impacts on nearby receptors, and developing mitigation strategies. Strategies include timing restrictions, use of quieter machinery or temporary barriers to minimise disruption and guarantee compliance.
