Noise Impact Assessments

Over the years, we have worked with many different types of clients and gained experience in offering bespoke noise impact assessments that are suited to exacting standards and budgets.

Services

Acoustic Consultants

Nationwide, Noise Impact Assessments for Planning

We offer a comprehensive, Noise Impact Assessment service across the UK. A quick and reliable noise survey report is perfect for your Local Planning Authority or the Environment Agency. Get in touch for a free quote and experience our seamless service.

What is a Noise Impact Assessment?

Typically, Noise Impact Assessments are requested by your Local Planning Authority or Environmental Health Officer to ensure that your development is not adversely impacting communal, residential or businesses that are situated nearby. As the name suggests, a noise impact assessment will try to predict the impact that noise from your development is likely to have on the surrounding area.

There are many reasons that developments require a noise impact assessment. This could be anything from a business extending its hours of operation, to a new construction project in a city centre. In each of these examples, the client would need to know the likely impact that their project would have on the surrounding area. Finding out the answer to this question in advance can save a lot of money, hassle and time in the long run.

A noise survey gives you a clear picture of the noise environment, taking measurements of ambient noise levels at various times of the day, including busy and quiet periods. It also identifies major noise sources, like road traffic, industrial machinery, or construction activities. After setting the baseline noise levels, we compare them with relevant noise criteria to understand the extent of impact.

What is involved in a noise impact assessment?

A good quality noise impact assessment will:

Determine the existing level of noise (i.e. the baseline noise) at the proposed development
Predict the level of impact that the new proposal will have on this existing noise climate.
The specific type of noise impact assessment methodology will vary depending on the type of noise source that is of interest. However, a quality noise impact assessment will essentially involve measuring the existing noise climate that is associated with your development, as well as assessing the impact that the new proposal is likely to have on this climate.

Many different types of noise can potentially impact the surrounding area, including railway, aircraft, road traffic, entertainment and industrial noise. NOVA Acoustics Ltd has years of experience aiding with all kinds of noise impact assessment and our work is always informed and undertaken to the latest Government legislation and guidance.

What if my project is particularly noisy?

Noise exists in all facets of life and is only a problem if it significantly impacts people who don’t want to hear it. The main purpose of a noise impact assessment is not to determine if a project is likely to cause noise, but if anybody is likely to be significantly adversely impacted by it.

If this is the case, we can use our years of experience to help clients mitigate the impact of noise through realistic, tailored acoustic solutions.

How do I proceed with a noise impact assessment?

As the scope of noise impact assessments can vary enormously, the best thing you can do is contact us directly to discuss the specific needs of your project. We will offer you practical, cost-effective advice about how to proceed with the noise impact assessment for planning your project.

Contact us via the form, or ring us, to speak with our friendly and knowledgeable team about your noise impact assessment requirements. Once you contact us, we’ll calculate the noise assessment cost and arrange to visit you on site.

What Our Clients 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

Discuss your Noise Survey

Talk to one of our acoustic experts today.

FAQs

How much does a noise impact assessment cost?

The cost of a noise impact assessment can vary. Really, it depends on the size and scope of your project and price can vary substantially. If you’d like a detailed quote, give us a shout.

What is the investigation and assessment of impact noise?

Investigating and assessing impact noise involves pinpointing and measuring noise levels that might concern noise-sensitive areas. This process helps define the necessary steps to reduce noise and ensure compliance with any regulatory, permitting or planning requirements.

What is the purpose of a noise survey?

The main goal of a noise assessment is to assess the existing noise environment and predict how new developments might change things. You’ll need a noise assessment for planning effective noise reduction strategies and ensuring compliance with any regulatory, permitting or planning requirements.

Which noise impact assessment will I need?

The BS4142 noise assessment tests how industrial and commercial noise will impact residential properties. If you’re opening a business or making changes to a commercial property, the BS4142 assessment is vital.

How long does a noise impact assessment take?

How long a noise impact assessment takes can depend on your project’s size and how complicated it is. For example, a large-scale industrial noise assessment will take longer than a small commercial evaluation.

Usually, you’re looking at anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Once we’ve identified excess noise, you’ll receive a noise assessment report. For a clearer idea tailored to your project, just give us a call!

What are noise-sensitive areas?

Noise-sensitive areas are places where high noise levels can affect the well-being and comfort of people. These include residential areas, schools, hospitals, and offices. Making sure these areas are well designed and consideration is given to creating a quality soundscape is a large part of our noise assessment services.