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Environmental Noise Surveys

Understand the impact of environmental noise with expert surveys that provide robust technical evidence, practical mitigation advice and the confidence to progress your project.

Expert Environmental Surveys | Trusted Acoustic Consultants

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Industrial Noise Surveys

Expert acoustic consultancy, delivered across the UK.

An environmental noise survey is an acoustic assessment that measures and evaluates noise from external sources such as road traffic, railways, aircraft, industrial operations and commercial activities. NOVA Acoustics undertakes environmental noise surveys in accordance with recognised British Standards and industry guidance, including BS 4142, BS 8233, ProPG, DMRB and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), providing robust technical evidence to support planning applications, environmental permits, residential developments and noise impact assessments across the UK.

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On-site assessment

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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

Unlock the benefits of a trade account.

Our trade accounts give property and construction professionals access to preferential pricing, priority service and a dedicated contact for straightforward project coordination.

Nationwide support for every project.

Expert acoustic advice across the UK.

Our experienced consultants work with a variety of clients across the UK in a whole host of different sectors, providing practical acoustic guidance, technical expertise and trusted support at every stage of a project.

Why choose NOVA Acoustics?

What This Service Covers

Baseline environmental noise monitoring

Industrial and commercial noise assessments

Road traffic and construction noise surveys

Residential development noise evaluations

Compliance with relevant British Standards

Mitigation advice and planning-support reports

Environmental Noise Surveys for Planning and Compliance

Environmental noise surveys and assessments may be required during the approval of a wide variety projects. These can include industrial plants, inner-city residential developments or large, out of town developments.

We have years of experience with projects of all sizes. Our environmental noise surveys and assessments are all performed in accordance with the latest guidance, standards and regulations including BS4142:2014 and BS8233:2014.

An environmental noise survey is performed in accordance with the latest regulations to ensure that you meet the environmental criteria set by your local authority. Although the expect standard required for an environmental noise survey varies, this typically includes BS4142 or BS7445. Both British Standards are methods for rating and assessing industrial or commercial noise.

Environmental noise surveys are required for new dwelling and home developments to ensure noise levels do not exceed specific noise levels for the local community. Examples of the source of noise pollution that may need to be assessed include; continuous noise, e.g. road traffic, industrial noises and processes, tonal noise, e.g. machinery and wind turbines and intermittent noise, e.g. construction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an environmental noise survey?

An environmental noise survey measures and evaluates noise affecting a site or its surroundings. It helps determine whether noise levels meet planning, regulatory and local authority requirements.

When is an environmental noise survey required?

A survey may be required for planning applications involving residential developments, industrial facilities, commercial premises, construction projects or other noise-sensitive locations.

What types of noise can be assessed?

The survey can assess continuous, tonal and intermittent noise from sources including road traffic, industrial processes, machinery, wind turbines and construction activity.

Can an environmental noise survey support planning permission?

Yes. The survey provides objective evidence of existing or predicted noise levels and can demonstrate how a proposed development will satisfy relevant planning conditions.

Which standards apply to environmental noise surveys?

Requirements vary by project, but assessments commonly refer to BS 4142, BS 7445 and BS 8233, alongside relevant local authority guidance and regulations.

How is an environmental noise survey conducted?

Acoustic consultants install monitoring equipment or undertake attended measurements to establish the noise environment. The collected data is then analysed and presented in a technical report.

What happens if unacceptable noise levels are identified?

The consultant will recommend practical mitigation measures, which may include acoustic barriers, improved building construction, suitable glazing and ventilation, or changes to the site layout.

How long does an environmental noise survey take?

The monitoring period depends on the site, noise sources and local authority requirements. Surveys may involve short attended measurements or monitoring over several days.

How much does an environmental noise survey cost?

Costs depend on the project’s location, complexity and monitoring requirements. A tailored quotation can be provided after the project information has been reviewed.