Acoustic Consultancy and Design for Breeam HEA05 and POL05.
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Acoustic Consultants in
London & the Home Counties
Facing delays with Building Regulations, planning, or noise issues? Our London acoustic specialists offer fast testing, clear insights, and expert support to help you move ahead with confidence.
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Projects in 2025
1725
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Projects to date
14248
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Sectors We Serve
Residential
Education
Environmental Specialists
Offices
Industrial
Healthcare
Leisure
Sport
Secure Planning Permission Approval
Noise impact assessments supporting planning applications across London, the Home Counties, and surrounding areas including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, Bedfordshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Sussex, and Suffolk — designed to strengthen submissions and help reduce the risk of refusal.
✓ Assessments completed in accordance with BS4142 and BS8233
✓ Clear, practical mitigation recommendations
✓ Trusted by planners, architects, and developers
Pass Sound Testing First Time (Part E)
Noise impact assessments supporting planning applications across London, the Home Counties, and surrounding regions including Reading, Chelmsford, Crawley, Luton, Ipswich, and beyond — helping strengthen submissions and reduce the risk of delays or refusal.
✓ Assessments completed in accordance with BS4142 and BS8233
✓ Clear, practical mitigation recommendations
✓ Trusted by planners, architects, and developers
Monitor & Manage Construction Noise
Real-time noise, vibration, and dust monitoring across London, the Home Counties, and surrounding regions including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, Bedfordshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Sussex, and Suffolk — helping projects remain compliant while reducing the risk of complaints or enforcement action.
✓ Continuous monitoring with automated alerts
✓ Fully managed services or equipment hire available
✓ Ideal for construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects
Workplace Noise Risk Assessments
Workplace noise surveys across London, the Home Counties, and surrounding regions including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, Bedfordshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Sussex, and Suffolk — with practical guidance to help businesses remain compliant.
✓ Identify workplace noise risks and exposure levels
✓ Clear, practical compliance recommendations
✓ HSE-ready documentation and reporting
Speak to an expert.
London Service Area
Address: 34, 35 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, United Kingdom
Phone Number: 0203 3756160
Email: london@novaacoustics.co.uk
34, 35 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, United Kingdom
Acoustic Consultants SERVING London & Home Counties
Our consultancy network allows us to serve clients quickly and efficiently, whether you’re located in: London (all boroughs), The Home Counties – Berkshire (Reading), Buckinghamshire, Essex (Chelmsford), Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, Southeast Counties – Bedfordshire (Luton), Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, East & South Counties – Suffolk (Ipswich) and Sussex (including Crawley).
We offer on-site visits, remote reporting, and fully mobile monitoring setups for rural or hard-to-access areas. This means you can expect the same expert service, no matter your location.
Noise, Vibration & Dust Monitoring FAQ
Do I need a sound insulation test to meet Part E of the Building Regulations?
Do I need a sound insulation test to meet Part E of the Building Regulations?
We provide real-time environmental monitoring for construction and industrial sites, including Section 61 support.
What is a BS8233 Residential Noise Survey and when is it required?
What is a BS8233 Residential Noise Survey and when is it required?
A BS8233 noise survey assesses whether environmental noise levels are suitable for residential developments. It is typically required during the planning process for new housing projects, especially in busy areas like London or near major roads in counties like Kent and Sussex.
What is a BS4142 noise assessment?
What is a BS4142 noise assessment?
BS4142 assessments evaluate industrial or commercial noise (e.g., from plant equipment or air source heat pumps) and its impact on nearby residents. It’s a critical requirement for planning applications involving mechanical installations or industrial use.
What is Section 61 and why does it matter?
What is Section 61 and why does it matter?
Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 allows construction developers to apply for prior consent from the Local Authority for noisy works. In busy urban areas like London or Crawley, obtaining Section 61 consent can help avoid complaints, project delays, and legal penalties.
Do I need noise monitoring on my construction site in London?
Do I need noise monitoring on my construction site in London?
Yes, if your site is near sensitive receptors like residential areas, schools, or hospitals. Monitoring helps meet planning requirements, avoids complaints, and ensures compliance with Section 61 and BS 5228 guidelines.
What noise and vibration monitoring equipment do you use?
What noise and vibration monitoring equipment do you use?
Yes, if your site is near sensitive receptors like residential areas, schools, or hospitals. Monitoring helps meet planning requirements, avoids complaints, and ensures compliance with Section 61 and BS 5228 guidelines.
What’s included in a BS8233 residential noise survey for planning in London?
What’s included in a BS8233 residential noise survey for planning in London?
A BS8233 survey measures baseline noise levels at your site and provides expert recommendations on façade design, glazing, and ventilation to ensure compliance with residential noise standards.
Do you liaise with local authorities for planning and environmental noise applications?
Do you liaise with local authorities for planning and environmental noise applications?
Yes. We frequently prepare reports and liaise with planning officers, Environmental Health teams, and local councils to smooth approval processes.
Do I need Section 61 consent for construction projects in London?
Do I need Section 61 consent for construction projects in London?
Section 61 consent is often required for construction or demolition projects in London to control noise impact. We can prepare applications and provide ongoing monitoring to demonstrate compliance.
Can you set up real-time monitoring for demolition sites?
Can you set up real-time monitoring for demolition sites?
Yes. We provide fully managed monitoring with real-time dashboards and SMS/email alerts for projects across Kent, Surrey, and surrounding areas.
Do you provide noise monitoring for festivals or motorsports events?
Do you provide noise monitoring for festivals or motorsports events?
Yes. We set up temporary monitoring stations at outdoor events such as music festivals or motorsports venues to ensure compliance with licence conditions.
Do you offer managed monitoring services for large infrastructure projects?
Do you offer managed monitoring services for large infrastructure projects?
Yes. For large-scale projects, we provide end-to-end monitoring, compliance reporting, and liaison with local authorities.
How long does it take to receive results after testing or monitoring?
How long does it take to receive results after testing or monitoring?
For most sound insulation tests, results are available the same day, with a full UKAS-accredited report issued within 24–48 hours.
Can you provide a quotation before planning approval is submitted?
Can you provide a quotation before planning approval is submitted?
For most sound insulation tests, results are available the same day, with a full UKAS-accredited report issued within 24–48 hours.
Acoustic Consultancy FAQ
Where do you provide services in London and the surrounding counties?
Where do you provide services in London and the surrounding counties?
Yes. Our consultants operate throughout Greater Manchester—including Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan—with fast response times and UKAS-accredited testing.
Do you provide on-site acoustic consultancy in all London boroughs?
Do you provide on-site acoustic consultancy in all London boroughs?
Yes. Our consultants operate throughout Greater Manchester—including Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan—with fast response times and UKAS-accredited testing.
Do you cover commercial projects?
Do you cover commercial projects?
Yes. From commercial offices in Chelmsford to retail spaces in Crawley or mixed-use developments in Ipswich, our team delivers noise surveys, monitoring, and acoustic design tailored to your sector.
How quickly can you mobilise for urgent testing in Central London?
How quickly can you mobilise for urgent testing in Central London?
We can usually mobilise within 24–48 hours for urgent projects in London. For larger developments, advance scheduling is recommended to ensure smooth site coordination.
Are your consultants familiar with local planning requirements in London councils (e.g., Westminster, Camden, Tower Hamlets)?
Are your consultants familiar with local planning requirements in London councils (e.g., Westminster, Camden, Tower Hamlets)?
Yes. Our consultants have extensive experience liaising with local planning departments across London. We regularly prepare BS8233 and BS4142 noise assessments to meet borough-specific planning requirements.
Do you provide acoustic design advice for schools and healthcare projects?
Do you provide acoustic design advice for schools and healthcare projects?
Yes. We design acoustic solutions for classrooms, lecture halls, hospitals, and care facilities in line with BB93 and HTM standards, ensuring optimal environments for learning, recovery, and privacy.Yes. Our consultants have extensive experience liaising with local planning departments across London. We regularly prepare BS8233 and BS4142 noise assessments to meet borough-specific planning requirements.
Can you assist with MCS 020 noise assessments for heat pumps in residential areas?
Can you assist with MCS 020 noise assessments for heat pumps in residential areas?
Yes. We conduct MCS 020 assessments to ensure domestic heat pump installations comply with permitted development rules, helping avoid planning objections.
Noise at Work FAQ
What is a Noise at Work risk assessment and why is it needed?
What is a Noise at Work risk assessment and why is it needed?
Yes. We conduct occupational Noise at Work assessments, helping ensure compliance with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
What are lower and upper exposure action values in workplace noise?
What are lower and upper exposure action values in workplace noise?
The lower action value is 80 dB(A) and the upper action value is 85 dB(A). If these are exceeded, employers must take action such as providing hearing protection, implementing controls, and offering health surveillance.
Sound Testing FAQ
How much does a sound insulation test cost in London and surrounding counties?
How much does a sound insulation test cost in London and surrounding counties?
Costs vary by project size, but prices are generally competitive due to our wide network. For example, testing in Greater London or Surrey typically starts from around £325 + VAT. Contact us for an accurate quote based on your site’s specifics.
Who can carry out a sound insulation test or noise survey?
Who can carry out a sound insulation test or noise survey?
Only accredited professionals (such as UKAS-accredited testers or Members of the Institute of Acoustics) should perform these tests. NOVA Acoustics Ltd is UKAS-accredited and operates across London, the Home Counties and the South East.
When should I schedule my pre-completion sound testing?
When should I schedule my pre-completion sound testing?
Testing should be carried out once all internal construction is complete—doors, windows, floors, ceilings, and finishes should be installed. Ideally, schedule testing at least 5 working days before handover to avoid delays.
What happens if my property fails a sound insulation test?
What happens if my property fails a sound insulation test?
We’ll identify why the structure failed (e.g., poor sealing or structural flanking), advise you on corrective steps, and re-test once improvements are made. Our consultants provide remedial design advice to help you pass on re-test.
Do I need sound testing before installing hard flooring in a leased London flat?
Do I need sound testing before installing hard flooring in a leased London flat?
We’ll identify why the structure failed (e.g., poor sealing or structural flanking), advise you on corrective steps, and re-test once improvements are made. Our consultants provide remedial design advice to help you pass on re-test.
What is a flanking transmission in sound testing?
What is a flanking transmission in sound testing?
Flanking occurs when sound travels indirectly through structural elements (e.g., walls or floors) that aren’t part of the separating construction. It’s a common reason for failed tests and must be addressed in design.
Can you carry out sound insulation testing for residential developments?
Can you carry out sound insulation testing for residential developments?
Absolutely. We regularly perform Part E pre-completion sound insulation tests in Reading, Luton, and other areas across the Home Counties. Our UKAS-accredited team ensures full compliance with Building Regulations.
Do I need sound insulation testing for a flat conversion in Central London?
Do I need sound insulation testing for a flat conversion in Central London?
Yes. If you are converting a property into flats or apartments, you must carry out pre-completion sound testing to demonstrate compliance with Part E of the Building Regulations.
Can you help with Licence to Alter sound testing for leasehold properties in London?
Can you help with Licence to Alter sound testing for leasehold properties in London?
Yes. Many leasehold agreements require sound insulation testing before and after hard flooring installation. We provide the necessary tests and reports to satisfy Licence to Alter clauses.
Do you provide pre-completion sound testing for housing projects?
Do you provide pre-completion sound testing for housing projects?
Yes. Many leasehold agreements require sound insulation testing before and after hard flooring installation. We provide the necessary tests and reports to satisfy Licence to Alter clauses.
What happens if my property fails a Part E sound insulation test?
What happens if my property fails a Part E sound insulation test?
If a property fails, we identify the likely cause (e.g., poor detailing, flanking paths) and provide design advice or remedial strategies to achieve compliance. Retesting can then be arranged.
Can you provide tailored reports for multi-site businesses across the Home Counties?
Can you provide tailored reports for multi-site businesses across the Home Counties?
Yes. We deliver consistent reporting across multiple sites, helping large businesses manage compliance efficiently.
Do you offer package pricing for multiple flats or large housing developments?
Do you offer package pricing for multiple flats or large housing developments?
Yes. We provide discounted rates for developers requiring testing across multiple plots, helping reduce per-unit costs.
Who we work with
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.