If you’re planning a new residential or commercial development, understanding the role of a noise assessment survey is crucial. These surveys are often required as part of the planning process in the UK, especially when your site is near major roads, railways, or industrial activity. But what exactly does a noise assessment survey involve—and when do you actually need one?
In this blog, we’ll break down the purpose of a noise assessment survey, the situations where they’re required, and how Hawkins Environmental helps developers meet local authority requirements swiftly and effectively.
What Is a Noise Assessment Survey?
A noise assessment survey evaluates the impact of existing or proposed noise sources on a development site or assesses how much noise a development might create. It is a key part of the environmental documentation needed for many planning applications across the UK.
At Hawkins Environmental, we provide noise surveys for planning that assess the compatibility of a proposed development with its surrounding noise environment, ensuring compliance with relevant standards such as BS8233:2014, ProPG, and local planning policy.
Why Are Noise Assessment Surveys Required?
Local authorities require a noise assessment survey to ensure that new developments provide a suitable acoustic environment for future occupants and don’t negatively affect existing communities.
Here’s why they matter:
- Ensure compliance with UK planning policies and noise standards
- Identify potential noise issues early in the project lifecycle
- Support planning approval by demonstrating due diligence
- Propose mitigation measures such as acoustic glazing or layout changes
- Prevent costly delays or rejections during the planning process
When Do You Need a Noise Assessment Survey?
You may need a noise assessment survey if your development:
- Is located near a busy road, railway, airport, or industrial estate
- Involves the installation of mechanical plant, such as air conditioning or ventilation units
- Includes mixed-use elements such as flats above commercial premises
- Is being proposed in an area with existing noise complaints
- Involves large-scale residential developments that require a BS8233 assessment or ProPG noise risk assessment
Common project types requiring surveys:
- Residential housing developments
- Schools and care homes
- Hotels and apartment blocks
- Commercial units with mechanical plant
- Change of use applications (e.g., converting offices to flats)
What Does the Survey Involve?
At Hawkins Environmental, a typical noise assessment survey includes:
- Initial desktop review of the site and its surroundings
- On-site noise level monitoring (if required) using calibrated equipment
- Assessment against relevant planning guidance including BS8233, WHO Guidelines, and ProPG
- Modelling and noise contour analysis (for more complex sites)
- Recommendations for noise mitigation measures, such as layout changes, acoustic insulation, or noise barriers
We tailor our surveys to the site’s characteristics and the local authority’s requirements, ensuring that your planning noise report is accurate, reliable, and ready for submission.
Benefits of Working with Hawkins Environmental
When you partner with Hawkins Environmental, you’re choosing a trusted name in environmental noise surveys with experience across hundreds of successful planning applications.
Why choose us?
- Quick turnaround and responsive service
- Experienced consultants who understand local authority expectations
- Clear, jargon-free reports designed to support approvals
- Honest guidance—if a site isn’t viable, we’ll let you know early
- Bespoke support for residential noise assessments, construction noise reports, and more
Visit: Noise Assessment Services
Need a noise assessment survey?
Whether you’re in the early planning stages or responding to a request from your local council, Hawkins Environmental provides expert noise level assessments and clear, planning-compliant reports across the UK.
Call us: 01256 522332
Email: nick@hawkinsenvironmental.co.uk
Learn more: https://hawkinsenvironmental.co.uk/noise-assessments/
FAQs
Q1: How long does it take to complete a noise assessment survey?
A1: Most standard noise surveys take around 5–10 working days to complete, depending on whether on-site monitoring is required. For complex projects, especially those involving baseline monitoring, the process can take longer.
Q2: Can I submit a planning application without a noise survey?
A2: You can submit your application, but it may be invalidated or delayed if a noise report is required and not included. It’s always best to check with your local authority or a qualified consultant beforehand.
Q3: What standards do your reports follow?
A3: Our reports are fully compliant with BS8233:2014, ProPG: Planning & Noise, and local authority noise policies. We tailor every report to meet site-specific and council-specific requirements.