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Noise Surveys For Residential Developments

Maximise the development potential of your site with expert residential noise surveys that support planning applications, reduce project risk and deliver practical, cost-effective acoustic design solutions.

Planning Approval Support | Optimise Site Potential

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Residential Noise Surveys

Expert acoustic consultancy, delivered across the UK.

A residential noise survey is an acoustic assessment undertaken to determine whether a proposed residential development can achieve suitable internal and external noise levels for future occupants. NOVA Acoustics carries out residential noise surveys and assessments in accordance with BS 8233, ProPG: Planning & Noise, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE), providing robust technical evidence and practical acoustic design recommendations to support planning applications, discharge planning conditions and create high-quality residential developments across the UK.

Simple, fast & fully managed

Request a quote

Confirm your survey date

On-site assessment

Rapid Report

Submit to decision maker

What our clients have to say

“I plucked this company out of the air and I am so glad I did. Jaime has been most helpful and produced a report within a short time scale. The service has been first class and I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending NOVA acoustics.”

– Arnot Wilson

“We commissioned NOVA to conduct a sound test at our new house. From the get go Adam was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. It is rare to meet professionals like that, who also go above and beyond to help and guide you through the process.”

– Na’ama Zisser

“The engineer who conducted the testing was friendly, professional and incredibly thorough. Overall I would say that NOVA provided an outstanding service from start to finish and I would not hesitate to recommend them.”

– Joe Bentley

“Really pleased with the service received from NOVA Acoustics on a recent noise risk assessment of our production room. The engineer Tom was great throughout and the report was clear and has made managing our noise control measures simple and effective.”

– Daniel Pontin

“NOVA Acoustics have been beyond helpful. Super speedy response and excellent communication. The noise impact assessment has been completed at a very fair price, and I’m really happy I chose NOVA Acoustics for the job.”

– Kelly Creates

“I used NOVA for acoustic reports for a project I’m working on converting retail units to residential, they was prompt, informative and well priced. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.”

– Peter Goldthorpe

“We have used NOVA Acoustics for a sound testing for installation of a new floor. Tom the engineer was very thorough, prompt and professional.”

– Anna Jóga

“Ryan and his team were very professional, installing monitoring equipment regarding a proposed planning application. We can definitely recommend NOVA Acoustics Ltd.”

– Pauline Whittle

HOW WE SUPPORT YOU

Planning Ready Report

Fully Compliant

Clear Conclusions

Mitigation Advice

Jargon Free & Clear

Planning Approval Secured

Who We Work With

House Builders

Property Developers

Architects & Contractors

Homeowners

Project Managers

Housing Associations

Extra value with a trade account.

Designed for construction and property professionals, our trade accounts provide competitive rates, priority assistance and a dedicated contact to keep your residential projects moving.

Nationwide support for every project.

Practical guidance from acoustic consultants.

Our acoustic consultants support new-build, conversion and extension projects throughout the UK, providing noise assessments, technical advice and effective mitigation strategies.

Why choose NOVA Acoustics?

What This Service Covers

Baseline environmental noise measurements

Road, rail and industrial noise assessments

Support for residential planning applications

Internal and external noise-level calculations

Glazing and ventilation specifications

Mitigation advice and local authority reporting

Supporting Planning Through Residential Noise Assessment

If you’re applying for planning permission to create, extend or alter a residential dwelling near to a source of noise (e.g. traffic, rail or industrial noise), then it’s likely that you’ll require a residential noise survey to support your planning application.

Residential noise surveys help to ensure that future residents are not adversely impacted, keeping noise to an acceptable level. The aim of a noise survey is to gain a baseline measurement of the noise environment within the vicinity of your proposed development.

Once the noise environment has been defined, the potential noise impact on residential dwellings can be assessed. The level of noise impact is analysed according to British Standards and World Health Organisation guidelines to ensure the future occupants will not be adversely affected by noise.

How much does a noise survey cost?

Every noise survey is unique and therefore requires different amounts of resources. We are very competitive with our rates and will always provide our most cost-effective quotation.

Simply contact us via the contact form or call us today for a no-obligation quote, or to get advice from our friendly, expert team.

What does a residential noise survey require?

We understand that gaining planning permission can be a frustrating procedure when time is of the essence. To ensure that your project progresses smoothly and efficiently we typically request the following information: Architect’s drawings or site plans – showing the site layout, including internal/external layout and construction details. A secure location on-site for monitoring equipment – we need to carry out a baseline noise survey on-site to establish the noise profile of the area. If this cannot be provided we will carry out manned monitoring to assess the suitability of site. We will carry out an environmental noise measurements and acoustic calculations to establish the noise levels across the development site. We recommend and assess appropriate mitigation measures to protect the external areas. We will calculate the internal noise levels to allow the provision of appropriate glazing and ventilation specifications for the development. We will provide a technical report for submission to your local authority to support your planning application

Book your assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a residential noise survey?

A residential noise survey measures existing noise levels around a proposed development and assesses the potential impact on future occupants.

When is a residential noise survey required?

A survey may be required when creating, extending or altering a home near a significant noise source, such as a road, railway or industrial site.

Can a noise survey support my planning application?

Yes. The resulting technical report provides evidence for submission to the local authority and demonstrates how acceptable living conditions will be achieved.

What does a residential noise survey assess?

The survey can assess road traffic, rail, aircraft, commercial and industrial noise affecting the proposed development.

How is the noise survey carried out?

Acoustic consultants measure the existing noise environment on site, calculate noise levels across the development and assess the results against relevant guidance.

Which standards are used?

Residential noise assessments are typically completed in accordance with applicable British Standards, planning guidance and World Health Organization recommendations.

Will the report recommend noise-control measures?

Yes. Where necessary, the report may recommend suitable glazing, ventilation, building-envelope improvements or changes to the site layout.

What information is needed before the survey?

Site plans, architectural drawings and details of the proposed development are normally required. A secure location for noise-monitoring equipment may also be needed.

How much does a residential noise survey cost?

The cost depends on the site, monitoring requirements and complexity of the development. A project-specific quotation can be provided after reviewing the details.