Westminster City Council’s Noise Emission Criteria
Click here to view a typical Westminster planning condition that requires a noise impact assessment...
“(1) Where noise emitted from the proposed plant and machinery will not contain tones or will not be intermittent, the ‘A’ weighted sound pressure level from the plant and machinery (including non-emergency auxiliary plant and generators) hereby permitted, when operating at its noisiest, shall not at any time exceed a value of 10 dB below the minimum external background noise, at a point 1 metre outside any window of any residential and other noise sensitive property, unless and until a fixed maximum noise level is approved in writing by the City Council. The background level should be expressed in terms of the lowest LA90, 15 mins during the proposed hours of operation. The plant-specific noise level should be expressed as LAeqTm, and shall be representative of the plant operating at its maximum.
(2) Where noise emitted from the proposed plant and machinery will contain tones or will be intermittent, the ‘A’ weighted sound pressure level from the plant and machinery (including non-emergency auxiliary plant and generators) hereby permitted, when operating at its noisiest, shall not at any time exceed a value of 15 dB below the minimum external background noise, at a point 1 metre outside any window of any residential and other noise sensitive property, unless and until a fixed maximum noise level is approved in writing by the City Council. The background level should be expressed in terms of the lowest LA90, 15 mins during the proposed hours of operation. The plant-specific noise level should be expressed as LAeqTm, and shall be representative of the plant operating at its maximum.”
The above condition is following the principles of Westminster’s Environmental Supplementary Planning Document (ESPD) that states requirements for minimising noise from plant machinery and internal/external activities.
The ESPD actually demonstrates that Westminster is willing to accept a less onerous noise criteria from mechanical plant where the background noise level is very low. This lower criteria can be adopted following approval from the Planning Officer. This is just an example of how our experience can lead to saving money on expensive mitigation measures to reduce plant noise levels.
Find out more information about what a noise impact assessment is here.
Our team of acoustic consultants in London and Manchester are experienced in delivering cost effective BS4142 noise assessments and acoustic surveys tailored to your project.
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Noise Impact Assessments are often needed for the following items of mechanical fixed plant:
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Why is a Noise Impact Assessment Important?
By assessing any potential noise-related issues on nearby residents, before any noise source is introduced, can significantly reduce the likelihood of receiving future complaints from neighbours or a noise abatement notice from the Local Authority. As a result, the Local Authority will then request a noise survey and noise report are undertaken by an acoustic consultant.
What are the Regulations & Requirements?
Noise impact calculations and assessment would generally consider the following standards:
- BS4142: 2014: ‘Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound’
- BS8233: 2014: ‘Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings’
- Local Authority policies on noise control, such as Policy ENV of the Westminster Unitary Development Plan (UDP)
If you have a project that requires a Noise Impact Assessment, get in touch
Why Choose Clement Acoustics for Noise Impact Assessments?
Quick turnaround time
Helpful team of qualified acoustic engineers
Competitive rates