What is a Noise Impact Assessment?
A noise impact assessment is carried out in order to ensure that existing noise does not affect residents negatively.
Normally undertaken in line with Local Authority requirements, noise impact assessments follow the methodology of BS 4142:2014 Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound. Other standards and good practice guides may also be employed depending on the future use of the site being investigated, such as BS 8233 and WHO Guide for Community Noise.
A noise impact assessment is used to investigate multiple noise sources including industrial plant and activities, traffic, sports, commercial operations and much more.
The overall purpose of undertaking a noise impact assessment is to meet the local authority’s requirements for planning permission to be granted.
Why we undertake a Noise Impact Assessment
Noise impact assessments gather data on existing levels and allows us to design suitable developments to ensure existing or future occupants are not affected by the levels. This is accomplished by using the data to allow us to eliminate (preferably) or mitigate noise to acceptable levels.
Data is gathered by placing sound level meters at the noise sensitive receptor location (or locations) and measuring the noise levels over a period of time.
Once the data has been collected and collated a final report is prepared and used to assist in planning permission being granted.
Typical projects requiring an assessment
Residential Developments
Commercial Property
Industrial Properties
Entertainment & Leisure
Sports Facilities
Associated Standards and Guidance Documents
BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound
BS 8233:2014 – Guidance on Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for Buildings
WHO Guidelines for Community Noise
Calculation of Road Traffic Noise (CRTN)
Calculation of Railways Noise (CRN)
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE)
The Noise Council: Code of Practice on Environmental Noise Control at Concerts
Need advice on a Noise Impact Assessment?
Have a project or issue where you need to understand the impact of noise?