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UK Wide Noise Impact Assessments

Get your project approved with a noise impact assessment prepared by expert acoustic consultants.

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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

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Our Noise Impact Assessment 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

Property Developers

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.

Which projects.
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Why choose NOVA Acoustics?

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Noise Impact Assessment: Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Why are noise impact assessments required?

Noise impact assessments are typically required by a Local Planning Authority or Environmental Health Officer to ensure that new developments do not adversely affect the surrounding environment.

When is a noise impact assessment needed?

Noise impact assessments may be required for a wide range of projects, including:

• New developments
• Changes to operating hours
• Commercial or industrial installations
• City centre construction projects

They are used to understand the likely impact before work begins.

What is the purpose of a noise impact assessment?

The purpose is to assess the existing noise environment and predict how a proposed development will change it, allowing potential issues to be identified and addressed in advance.

Why is a noise impact assessment important for planning?

Carrying out an assessment early helps avoid delays, reduce risk, and prevent costly redesigns by ensuring that noise impacts are understood before planning decisions are made.

Can a noise impact assessment help reduce project risk?

Yes — by identifying potential noise issues early, it allows mitigation measures to be implemented before problems arise, saving time, cost and disruption later in the project.

What does a noise impact assessment involve?

A typical assessment includes:

• Measuring existing background (baseline) noise levels
• Identifying dominant noise sources
• Predicting future noise levels from the proposed development
• Comparing results against relevant standards

This provides a clear understanding of potential impact.

What is baseline noise and why is it important?

Baseline noise refers to the existing sound environment at a site before development. It is used as a reference point to assess how much additional noise a project will introduce.

What types of noise are considered in an assessment?

Noise impact assessments can consider a wide range of sources, including:

• Road traffic
• Railways and aircraft
• Industrial and plant noise
• Construction and entertainment noise

Methodology & Standards

How is noise impact assessed?

Noise levels are measured on site and then assessed against recognised standards and criteria to determine whether the predicted impact is acceptable.

What assessment standards might be used?

The methodology depends on the noise source, but commonly includes standards such as:

• BS4142 for industrial and commercial noise
• Planning and environmental guidance

The correct method is selected based on the project type.

How do you determine if noise is a problem?

Noise is considered a problem when it causes a significant adverse impact on nearby receptors, rather than simply being present.

Mitigation & Outcomes

What happens if a development is predicted to be too noisy?

If significant impact is identified, mitigation measures can be recommended, such as:

• Acoustic barriers or enclosures
• Equipment selection or relocation
• Operational controls

Can noise impact be reduced?

Yes — experienced acoustic consultants can design practical, tailored solutions to minimise noise impact and achieve compliance.

Will I receive recommendations as part of the assessment?

Yes — reports typically include clear guidance on how to reduce noise impact and meet planning or regulatory requirements.

Process, Timescales & Cost

How long does a noise impact assessment take?

The duration depends on the size and complexity of the project. Smaller assessments may take a few days, while larger or more complex projects can take several weeks.

What happens after I request a noise impact assessment?

Once you make contact, the scope of the assessment is defined, costs are calculated, and a site visit is arranged to carry out measurements and analysis.

How do I get started with a noise impact assessment?

The best approach is to speak with an acoustic consultant to discuss your project requirements and determine the appropriate scope and methodology.

How much does a noise impact assessment cost?

Common triggers include: • Failure to assess noise risk • Exceeding exposure limits • Lack of documented control measures