Guidance for Planning Noise Surveys

What is the aim of this noise survey guidance?

We wrote this article to assist small builders, developers and consultants who are involved in developments where planning permission is a requirement and a planning noise survey is a consideration.

1. When is a noise survey required?

Noise surveys are normally required when:

a. The application is for proposed noise sensitive development, such as residential, next to existing sources such as major transport routes, industry or commercial uses.

b. The application is for a development that has the potential to cause noise disturbance to existing residential properties. For example, industry, or other development with fixed machinery/plant.

2. What noise survey methods are accepted?

Usually the Environmental Protection Team, will be able to advise on the methods used for a noise survey. However as a general rule the following methods will be accepted provided they are suitable for the project/development. Please note this is not an exhaustive list:

a. BS8233 noise survey for the assessment of noise affecting noise sensitive developments near to existing sources of noise, mainly relating to traffic sources. A full 24- hour noise assessment is normally required although the shortened measurement procedure in the Calculation of Road Noise (CRTN) can be used if appropriate.

b. BS414 noise survey for the assessment of industrial noise that may affect existing residential property, mainly used for fixed industrial plant such as fans.

3. Should the noise survey be submitted as part of the planning application?

Yes, as enables the Environmental Protection Team to assess if the proposed development is suitable for the area, and that adequate noise controls can be implemented.

The problem with submitting the noise assessment later on in the process is that delays may be incurred to application process. It is often not possible to grant planning consent with a condition requiring a noise survey at a later date as we need to assess what the noise impact will be to the area of the development.

4. How do I get a planning noise survey undertaken on my development?

All noise surveys need to be carried out by a suitably qualified acoustic consultant. APT Sound Testing is UKAS accredited company and therefore our reports are accepted by all favoured by all councils. We provide comprehensive and easy to follow noise survey reports at competitive prices.

5. What information needs to be included in my noise assessment?

Reason for/scope of report (which will be clarified by the EPT & Acoustic Company)

a. The name of the proposed development to which London noise survey relates
b. Location plan of proposed development
c. Methodology used including location of noise monitoring locations, equipment used, weather conditions
d. Any deviations from the corresponding methodology/standard
e. A full table of results
f. Assessment of results according to standards used
g. Recommendations for noise control measures – if required
h. Full calculations of the noise reductions expected to support any suggested noise control measures

6. What Instruments Should be Used

We use the latest Norsonic class 1 integrating sound level meters, conforming to BS 6698/IEC 61672. The noise assessment should not be undertaken with anything less than a class 1 Analyser.

7. Evidence of Equipment Calibration

The instrument shall be calibrated to the manufacturer’s standard or by a National Accreditation of Measurement and Sampling UKAS accredited laboratory within the last year. A current certificate of calibration should be available and a copy included in the assessment report. The response of the instrument should be carefully checked before and after each measurement using a field calibrator.

We hope this information has helped you to better understand the planning noise survey process for your development. If you would like more advice on your noise assessment please contact us now at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or call Darren direct on 07775623464.

Alternately, if you require a noise survey and want to know more information on how you can prepare for the survey, please visit our Noise Survey Checklist page.