Noise Surveys

Noise Surveys

Building Compliance Testing Limited can provide you with a range of Noise Surveys, also known as Noise Impact Assessments or Acoustic Reports. If requested, these are normally required as part of a planning application.

Environmental Acoustics

A noise survey is an important condition of planning permission and a requirement for the evaluation of a potential noise source by environmental health officers. The Control of Pollution Act (1974) identified noise as a type of pollution with the World Health Organisation identifying the impact to health of those who are affected. The impact of noise can refer to residents and commercial premises that
are situated nearby.

Noise Impact Assessments (NIA) predict the impact that noise from a development is likely to have on the
surrounding area. A noise impact assessment may be requested for a residential development or a commercial premise which wants to alter their operating hours. Planning Departments at the Local Authority may require the Assessment of Noise prior to granting permission for a development or as a condition of planning.

road traffic noise – rail noise  – aircraft noise – commercial plant noise – industrial noise 

Our Services

We can also offer a variety of other specialist services through our Partners, including:

BS8233 Environmental Noise

BS4142 Industrial and Commercial Noise

– BS5228 Control of Construction Noise

– BREEAM POL05 Noise Attenuation

– BREEAM HEA05 Acoustic Performance

– Noise Monitoring

– Workplace Noise Assessment

– Noise Attenuation Modelling

– BB93 Acoustic Design of Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a BS:4142?

The current version of the BS 4142 was introduced in 2014. The BS4142 provides the methodology of rating industrial noise
affecting mixed residential and industrial areas. A 4142 assessment is often requested when a proposed residential
development is close to a source of industrial or commercial noise.
The method is used extensively by Local Authorities (LA) to quantify noise pollution. The result of the assessment predicts
whether the occupants of residential buildings are likely to complain about the noise. If complaints are likely, Local Authority
may treat the noise as a Statutory Nuisance and issue an order to abate the noise.
A BS4142 assessment is a comparison of the level of the offending noise with the underlying ‘background’ noise. The offending
noise level is called the specific noise level which cannot be measured since it will occur in the presence of other noise
sources. Corrections are made by the consultant depending on the characteristics of the source. A rating level is produced
following attribution of corrections.
The Rating level is compared with the background level with the following indications:

  • + 10 dB (complaints are likely)
  • + 5 dB (marginal significance)
  • – 10 dB (complaints unlikely)
What is a BS:8233?

The current version of the BS8233 was introduced in 2014. The BS8233 provides Guidance on Sound Insulation and Noise
Reduction for Buildings. The BS 8233 is a reference for advice on managing noise within and around buildings.

The BS 8233 standard provides appropriate guidance for internal and external noise levels including bedrooms, living and amenity spaces.

As part of a BS 8233 survey, a baseline measurement of the noise environment is established within a proposed development
area. Following the defined noise environment, the noise impact on residential dwellings is assessed. The level of noise impact
to occupants of the future development is analysed according to BS8233:2014.

A technical report is produced following completion of the BS8233 noise survey. Recommendations and proposed
amendments are made within the report to ensure the development complies with British Standards. The report is sent to the
Local Authority (Council) for approval. The responsibility falls on the developer to ensure all recommendations, amendments
and mitigation measures are completed.

We’re friendly and knowledgeable bunch so why not get in touch for a chat. You can always contact Building Compliance Testing with any questions through phone, email or our online chat service.

Don’t worry, we don’t charge for advice given over the phone, so why not ask for a free quote?

01621 493 594 | contact@buildingcompliancetesting.com

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