Acoustics and Planning

Acoustics in Planning

Acoustics in planning refers to noise considerations when developing a new building or changing the use of an existing one. It’s important to consider acoustics early in the planning process to identify the most cost-effective solutions.

Our noise impact assessments and reports follow the guidelines in The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), associated Planning Practice Guidance – Noise (PPG-N), and relevant British Standards. Working on thousands of projects has provided us with a wealth of experience for even the most complicated projects. Throughout our engagement, we liaise with the Local Authority and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth discharge of Planning Conditions.

Our team of acoustic consultants in London and Manchester are experts in acoustics and planning.

Why do I Need a BS 8233 Noise Assessment? 

The Local Authority typically requests a BS 8233 assessment when a new residential dwelling is developed. This is especially true if the development is subject to transport noise or is located near rail, road, or other urban or industrial noise. A BS 8233 assessment may also be requested when hotels, schools, or healthcare facilities are developed.

A BS 8233 assessment aims to address acoustic implications and ensure that internal noise and vibration levels are suitably controlled, providing appropriate amenity for the occupants.

The Local Authority may request a BS 8233 assessment at the pre-application stage, alternatively upon planning permission approval, the project may be subject to a Planning Condition.

What Does a BS 8233 Planning Condition Look Like? 

Here is a typical BS 8233 planning condition:

‘No development shall take place until the following have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority: 

The results of a survey carried out to identify which of the proposed dwellings is likely to be affected by noise from the nearby road and railway in accordance with national guidance in BS:8233; a scheme for protecting the affected dwellings from noise from the road and railway.’ 

What is ProPG? 

Professional Practice Guidance: Planning & Noise (Pro PG) was produced by the Institute of Acoustics (IoA), the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and the Association of Noise Consultants. The document provides practitioners with guidance on managing noise within the English planning system.

The guide is available in three documents:

• ProPG: Planning & Noise – New Residential Development: Main Guidance 
• Supplementary Document 1: Planning and noise policy and guidance 
• Supplementary Document 2: Good Acoustic Design

Clement Acoustics are fully conversant with ProPG and follows its guidance in our assessments to ensure your project complies with national guidelines and reduces the risk of planning refusal.

Why do I Need a BS 4142 Noise Assessment?

The Local Authority typically requests a BS 4142 assessment if the proposed development will likely generate noise. Noise sources at your development may include air conditioning plant, extract fans, generators, industrial processes and service yard noise.

A BS 4142 assessment aims to protect the amenity of existing (or recently approved) Noise Sensitive Receptors, including residential dwellings, hospitals, schools and community facilities.

As with BS 8233 assessments, the Local Authority may request a BS 4142 assessment at the pre-application stage or issue a Planning Condition upon approval.

What Does a BS 4142 Planning Condition Look Like? 

Here is a typical BS 4142 planning condition: 

‘The level of noise emitted from any new plant shall be lower than the existing background level by at least 10 dB(A). Noise levels shall be determined at one metre from the window of the nearest noise sensitive premises.  The background noise level shall be expressed as the lowest LA90 (15 minutes) during which plant is or may be in operation.’

What are the normal processes for an acoustic planning submission?

A BS 8233 or BS 4142 assessment would typically be informed by an environmental noise survey undertaken on the site before the commencement of works. This will help us to understand the existing noise environment and vibrations around the development site so we can establish either how much noise emissions the sensitive development will be exposed to (BS 8233 assessment) or how much noise would be acceptable from a new noise source (BS 4142 assessment).

An assessment will then be undertaken based on the proposals, the existing noise environment and the established project requirements. We want to ensure our assessments and fees are appropriate for each development, so this could range from relatively straight forward calculations and assessments for small developments, to detailed assessments informed by noise maps for larger and more complex developments.

Our completed assessment will be submitted to the Client and design team, who can then forward it to the Local Authority if they are happy with the assessment and conclusions. We are always happy to liaise with the Local Authority to discuss any questions or comments to ensure the application runs as smoothly as possible.