Acoustic Consultancy and Design for Breeam HEA05 and POL05.
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UK Wide Noise Surveys & Assessments
Professional noise surveys to support planning applications, environmental compliance, and development projects.
Secure Planning Faster | Clear, Reliable Noise Assessments
Projects in 2025
1725
+
Projects to date
14248
+
Simple, fast & fully managed
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What our clients have to say
Our Noise Survey 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
Offices
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.
- Bespoke noise survey solutions.
- London & nationwide coverage.
Do you need
a Noise Survey?
You are likely to require a noise survey if your project involves:
- Planning applications for residential or mixed-use developments
- Sites near roads, railways, or industrial noise sources
- Commercial or industrial operations generating noise
- Environmental permits or licensing applications
Why choose
NOVA Acoustics?
- Experienced acoustics consultants
- Reports aligned with UK standards and local authority requirements
- Fast turnaround to meet project deadlines
- Clear, practical advice — not overcomplicated reports
- Nationwide service with local engineers
Speak to an expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I actually need a noise survey?
In many cases, yes — particularly if your project involves planning, environmental compliance, or potential impact on nearby properties. Local authorities and regulators often require evidence that noise levels are acceptable before approving developments or operations.
Even when not explicitly stated at the start, noise surveys are one of the most common reasons for planning delays or requests for further information. Carrying out a survey early helps identify risks, demonstrate compliance, and avoid unexpected issues later in the process.
When is a noise survey required?
Noise surveys are typically required for:
- Planning applications (especially residential developments)
- Sites near roads, railways, or industrial areas
- Environmental permits and licensing
- Commercial or industrial operations generating noise
If your project could affect or be affected by noise, there is a strong chance a survey will be needed to support your application or compliance obligations.
Can I submit a planning application without a noise survey?
Yes, but it can lead to delays. If noise is a relevant factor, planners will often request additional information during the review process.
This means you may need to pause your application, commission a survey, and resubmit documentation — which can delay your project by weeks or even months.
Providing a noise survey upfront shows a proactive and compliant approach, helping your application progress more efficiently.
What happens if I don’t carry out a noise survey?
Not carrying out a noise survey can result in:
- Planning refusal or delays
- Objections from environmental health officers
- Complaints from neighbours or stakeholders
- Additional costs from redesign or mitigation later
A professional survey provides the evidence needed to support your project and reduce risk.
Will a noise survey guarantee planning approval?
No — planning approval depends on multiple factors. However, a well-prepared noise survey significantly strengthens your application by demonstrating compliance and addressing potential concerns.
In many cases, it helps prevent objections and reduces the likelihood of requests for further information.
Types of Noise Surveys
What types of noise surveys do you provide?
We provide a full range of surveys, including:
- Residential noise surveys for planning
- Environmental noise assessments
- Commercial and industrial noise surveys
- Noise impact assessments
Each survey is tailored to your specific project requirements and regulatory context.
What is a residential noise survey?
A residential noise survey assesses noise levels at a proposed development site to ensure future occupants will not be adversely affected.
It is commonly required for planning applications and considers factors such as traffic noise, nearby industry, and environmental conditions.
What is an environmental noise survey?
An environmental noise survey measures and assesses noise from external sources such as roads, railways, or industrial activity.
It is used to evaluate how noise affects a site or surrounding area and to support planning or environmental compliance.
What is a noise impact assessment?
A noise impact assessment predicts how noise from your development will affect surrounding properties.
It involves measuring baseline noise levels, modelling future noise, and assessing compliance with relevant standards. This is commonly required for planning applications involving plant, equipment, or commercial activity.
Timescales & Process
How quickly can you start?
A BS4142 noise assessment is
We can usually begin within a few days of instruction, depending on site access and project requirements.
For urgent projects, we offer flexible scheduling and can prioritise surveys and reporting to meet tight deadlines.
How long does a noise survey take?
The duration depends on the complexity of your project and the type of survey required.
- Simple surveys may be completed within a day
- More detailed monitoring may take several days or longer
- Reporting is typically completed within a few days to 1–2 weeks
We aim to align with your project programme and can offer faster turnaround where required.
What happens during a noise survey?
During a noise survey, we measure sound levels using specialist equipment under representative conditions.
This may include:
- Short-term attended measurements
- Longer-term unattended monitoring
- Identification of key noise sources
The goal is to capture accurate, real-world data that reflects how noise behaves at your site.
Will the survey disrupt my site?
No — noise surveys are non-intrusive and designed to minimise disruption.
Equipment is compact and unobtrusive, and our consultants work efficiently without interfering with your operations or activities.
What happens after the survey?
You will receive a clear, planning-ready report that includes:
- Measured noise levels
- Assessment against relevant standards
- Conclusions on compliance
- Recommendations for mitigation if required
The report is designed to be easy to understand and ready for submission.
Costs & Value
How much does a noise survey cost?
Costs vary depending on:
- Site size and complexity
- Monitoring duration
- Type of assessment required
We provide clear, tailored quotes based on your project, with no hidden fees.
Is it cheaper to deal with noise issues later?
No — addressing noise issues later is usually far more expensive.
Late-stage mitigation can involve redesign, additional construction costs, or project delays. Identifying issues early allows solutions to be built into the design, saving time and money.
What value does a noise survey provide?
A noise survey helps you:
- Demonstrate compliance with planning requirements
- Reduce the risk of objections or delays
- Avoid costly redesign or mitigation
- Progress your project with confidence
It provides the evidence needed to support decision-making and approvals.
Technical & Compliance
What standards are used in noise surveys?
We follow recognised UK standards and guidance, including:
- BS4142 (industrial and commercial noise)
- BS8233 (internal noise levels)
- ProPG (planning guidance for residential development)
- Local authority requirements
This ensures your report is robust, credible, and suitable for submission.
Will your reports be accepted by local authorities?
Yes — our reports are prepared in line with recognised standards and are suitable for submission to planning authorities and environmental health departments.
We present findings clearly to minimise queries and help facilitate approval.
What if the noise levels are too high?
If noise levels exceed acceptable limits, we provide practical mitigation strategies such as:
- Acoustic barriers or screens
- Building design adjustments
- Enhanced glazing or insulation
- Equipment modifications
Our goal is to help you achieve compliance and move forward with your project.
Working With NOVA Acoustics
Do you offer nationwide coverage?
Yes — we operate across the UK with a network of experienced acoustic consultants, allowing us to provide fast, local support with consistent quality.
Can you meet tight deadlines?
Yes — we regularly work to tight project timelines and can offer expedited surveys and reporting where required.
Do you work on small projects?
Yes — we support projects of all sizes, from small developments to large, complex schemes.
Every project receives the same level of expertise and attention.
Do you work with architects and planners?
Yes — we regularly collaborate with architects, planning consultants, developers, and contractors to ensure acoustic considerations are fully integrated into the project.
What makes NOVA Acoustics different?
We focus on delivering:
- Clear, practical advice
- Fast turnaround times
- Reports designed for approval
- Real-world, cost-effective solutions
Our aim is not just to assess noise, but to help your project progress successfully.
Is everything handled for me?
Yes — we manage the full process from initial consultation through to survey, analysis, and reporting.
We aim to make the process straightforward and hassle-free, so you can 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
