Acoustic Consultancy and Design for Breeam HEA05 and POL05.
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Acoustic Consultancy Services
Acoustic consultants providing professional support for planning, design, and compliance from initial concept through to project completion.
Planning Approval Made Easy | Expert Acoustic Support
Projects in 2025
1725
+
Projects to date
14248
+
Simple, fast & fully managed
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What our clients have to say
Our Acoustic Consultancy Services
Noise & Vibration Assessments
Residential Noise Surveys
Construction Noise Surveys
Building & Room Acoustics
Industrial Noise Surveys
Noise Impact Assessment
Entertainment Noise Surveys
BREEAM Noise Surveys
Noise, Vibration and Dust Monitoring
Vibration Surveys
Environmental Noise Surveys
Construction Noise Management Plan
Environmental Noise Surveys
Environmental Monitoring
Environmental Permit Noise Impact Assessment
Sound Insulation Design
Acoustic Expert Witness Services
Festival & Event Noise Monitoring
MCS Noise Assessment
Plant Noise Assessments
Who We Work With
House Builders
Property Developers
Architects & Contractors
Homeowners
Project Managers
Housing Associations
Trade accounts with preferential pricing.
Preferential pricing for ongoing projects, project coordination support, priority scheduling and dedicated contact.
Local expertise. Nationwide coverage.
- Fast site availability.
- Clear, concise and jargon free report
- 24 hour response time.
- London & nationwide coverage.
Unparalleled expertise. Local knowledge.
With highly experienced specialists across the UK, we’re here to support your residential and commercial needs.
Why choose NOVA Acoustics?
- Extensive planning experience across all sectors
- Institute of Acoustics qualified consultants
- Nationwide coverage with local engineers
- We understand planning pressures — and deliver reports that get results.
Book your sound test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I actually need an acoustic consultant?
In many cases, yes — particularly if your project involves planning, noise-generating equipment, or is located near residential or noise-sensitive areas. Local authorities often require acoustic evidence to demonstrate that your development will not negatively impact nearby properties.
Even if it’s not explicitly requested at the outset, acoustic reports are one of the most common reasons for planning delays or requests for further information. Engaging an acoustic consultant early helps you understand requirements upfront, reduce risk, and avoid unnecessary delays later in the process.
Can I submit a planning application without an acoustic report?
Technically, you can submit an application without one — but it often leads to complications. If noise is a potential concern, planners will typically request an acoustic assessment during the review process.
This results in delays while you organise surveys, gather data, and resubmit information. In some cases, objections from environmental health officers or local residents can arise before you’ve had a chance to address noise issues properly.
Including an acoustic report from the beginning demonstrates a proactive and compliant approach, helping your application progress more smoothly and improving your chances of approval.
At what stage should I appoint an acoustic consultant?
The earlier, the better — ideally at the pre-planning or early design stage.
Early involvement allows potential noise issues to be identified before designs are finalised. This means mitigation can be incorporated into the layout, orientation, or specification of the development, rather than requiring costly changes later.
Waiting until after submission or during construction often leads to:
- Redesign costs
- Delays in approvals
- More complex and expensive mitigation measures
Early advice is typically the most cost-effective approach.
What happens if I don’t carry out an acoustic assessment?
Failing to carry out an acoustic assessment can expose your project to several risks, including:
- Planning refusal or delays
- Objections from environmental health officers
- Complaints from neighbours or stakeholders
- Additional costs due to late-stage mitigation
In some cases, you may also be required to carry out retrospective assessments, which can slow down your project and increase costs.
An acoustic assessment provides the evidence needed to demonstrate compliance and reduce uncertainty, helping your project move forward with confidence.
Will an acoustic consultant guarantee planning approval?
No consultant can guarantee planning approval, as the final decision rests with the local authority. However, a professionally prepared acoustic report significantly strengthens your application.
By clearly demonstrating that your development complies with relevant standards and will not cause unacceptable noise impacts, you reduce the likelihood of objections or additional information requests.
In practice, well-prepared acoustic reports often play a key role in helping applications progress more smoothly and gain approval first time.
Timescales & Process
How quickly can you start?
We can typically begin work within a few days of instruction, depending on project requirements and site access. For urgent projects, we offer flexible scheduling and can often prioritise surveys and reporting to meet tight deadlines.
Early engagement is always recommended, but we understand that planning timelines can be unpredictable — so we aim to be as responsive and adaptable as possible.
How long does the process take?
The timeframe depends on the complexity of your project and the level of assessment required.
- Simple assessments may be completed within a few days
- More detailed surveys and modelling typically take 1–2 weeks
Additional time may be required if long-term monitoring is needed. However, we always aim to align with your project programme and can offer expedited reporting where required.
What happens during a noise survey?
A noise survey involves measuring sound levels at your site using calibrated equipment.
This may include:
- Short-term attended measurements
- Longer-term unattended monitoring
- Identification of key noise sources and patterns
Surveys are carried out during representative conditions to ensure accurate results that reflect real-world scenarios.
Will the survey disrupt my site or operations?
No — surveys are designed to be non-intrusive and will not interfere with your normal operations.
Equipment is typically small and unobtrusive, and our consultants work efficiently to minimise any disruption. In most cases, you will not need to make any changes to your usual activities.
What happens after the assessment?
Once the assessment is complete, you will receive a detailed, easy-to-understand report that includes:
- Measured and predicted noise levels
- Assessment against relevant standards
- Clear conclusions on compliance
- Recommendations for mitigation if required
The report is designed to be planning-ready, meaning it can be submitted directly as part of your application.
Costs & Value
How much does an acoustic consultant cost?
Costs vary depending on several factors, including:
- The size and complexity of your project
- The type of assessment required
- The duration of noise monitoring
- The level of modelling or analysis needed
We provide clear, transparent quotes tailored to your specific requirements, with no hidden costs.
Importantly, engaging an acoustic consultant early is often far more cost-effective than dealing with planning delays or redesign later in the project.
👉 Contact us for a quick, tailored quote
Is it expensive to fix noise issues later?
Yes — addressing noise issues later in a project is typically far more expensive and disruptive.
Late-stage mitigation may involve:
- Redesigning layouts or building elements
- Installing additional acoustic treatments
- Delaying construction or planning approval
By identifying and addressing potential issues early, you can incorporate cost-effective solutions into the design, avoiding unnecessary expense and disruption.
Services & Technical Information
What types of projects do you work on?
We support a wide range of projects across multiple sectors, including:
- Residential and mixed-use developments
- Commercial and office spaces
- Industrial and manufacturing facilities
- Hospitality and leisure venues
Our experience ranges from small, single-site developments to large, complex, multi-phase projects. This allows us to provide practical, scalable solutions tailored to your specific needs.
What services do you provide?
Our acoustic consultancy services cover all aspects of noise and vibration assessment, including:
- Noise impact assessments for planning
- Environmental and industrial noise surveys
- Building acoustics and sound insulation testing
- Construction noise and vibration monitoring
- Acoustic design and modelling
Each service is designed to help you achieve compliance while ensuring your project performs effectively in real-world conditions.
What is a noise impact assessment?
A noise impact assessment evaluates how noise from your proposed development will affect the surrounding environment.
This involves measuring existing noise levels, predicting future noise from your project, and assessing whether the impact is acceptable under relevant standards and planning policies.
It is one of the most commonly required reports for planning applications and plays a key role in demonstrating that your development will not negatively affect nearby occupants.
What standards do you work to?
We work in accordance with recognised UK standards and guidance, including:
- BS4142 (industrial and commercial noise)
- BS8233 (internal noise levels)
- National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
- Local authority-specific guidance
Following these standards ensures that your assessment is robust, credible, and suitable for submission.
Results, Compliance & Support
What if my project fails the assessment?
If the assessment identifies potential issues, this does not mean your project cannot proceed.
We will provide clear, practical mitigation strategies to help you achieve compliance. These may include:
- Acoustic barriers or enclosures
- Equipment specification changes
- Layout or design adjustments
Our aim is to provide solutions that are both effective and cost-efficient, allowing your project to move forward.
Can you help with mitigation design?
Yes — we go beyond identifying issues by providing detailed recommendations and guidance on how to resolve them.
Where required, we can work with your design team to integrate acoustic solutions into the project, ensuring they are both practical and effective.
Do you work with architects and planners?
Yes — we regularly collaborate with architects, planning consultants, developers, and contractors.
This collaborative approach ensures that acoustic considerations are fully integrated into the design and planning process, helping to avoid conflicts and streamline approvals.
Will your reports be accepted by local authorities?
Yes — our reports are prepared in accordance with recognised standards and are suitable for submission to planning authorities and environmental health departments.
We ensure that all assessments are clearly presented and professionally documented, helping to minimise queries and facilitate approval.
Do I need ongoing acoustic support after planning?
In some cases, yes. This may include:
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Post-completion testing
- Ongoing monitoring or compliance checks
We can support you throughout the full lifecycle of your project, from initial assessment through to completion.
Working With NOVA Acoustics
Do you offer nationwide coverage?
Yes — we operate across the UK with a network of experienced acoustic consultants.
This allows us to provide fast response times while maintaining consistent quality and standards across all projects.
Can you meet tight planning deadlines?
Yes — we understand that planning deadlines can be tight and often change at short notice.
We offer flexible scheduling and expedited reporting where required, helping you keep your project on track.
What makes NOVA Acoustics different?
We focus on delivering practical, solution-focused advice rather than overly complex reports.
Our approach is built around:
- Clear communication
- Fast turnaround times
- Real-world, cost-effective solutions
- A strong understanding of planning requirements
This ensures that our work not only meets technical standards but also helps your project succeed.
Do you work on small projects?
Yes — we support projects of all sizes, from small developments to large-scale schemes.
Every project receives the same level of attention and expertise, ensuring you get the support you need regardless of scale.
Can you help with noise complaints or existing issues?
Yes — we can assess existing noise problems and provide practical solutions to resolve complaints and achieve compliance.
This may involve surveys, analysis, and recommendations for mitigation measures tailored to your specific situation.
Is everything handled for me?
Yes — we manage the entire process from initial consultation through to survey, analysis, and reporting.
Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and hassle-free as possible, allowing you to focus on progressing your project.
Recent Projects
Reverberation Testing, Consultancy, Design and Installation of Acoustic Panelling.
Acoustic Consultancy and Design for RIBA Stages 3 and 4 for redevelopment to form a Hotel.
Who we work with
