Guide To Property Noise Assessments and Planning Permission

Noise assessments are an important part of property development and ensuring that your building passes is vital for you to be able to move forward on your project. Noise level requirements are set out in BS8233 (for residential properties) and BS4142 (for commercial properties}. They give clear guidance on the levels required for buildings that are newly built or being refurbished and undergoing a change of use. Use this guide to help you prepare for your noise assessment and get to grips with what it entails.

Why Do You Need a Noise Assessment?

When you decide to develop new properties for residential, community or commercial use, there is an expectation that you will ensure that the noise levels are kept within a range that does become detrimental to the new occupants.

If your property is near a road or local transport links, then the local authority that you apply to for planning permission will request that a noise assessment is completed before signing off your application. You can be asked at various points of the planning process for a noise assessment, and it is typically requested very early on at the pre-application stage If they are concerned about the noise level risk to any new inhabitants.

Ultimately, a noise assessment survey is used to make sure that your development is fully compliant with the National Planning and Policy Framework and Noise Policy Statement.

How You Can Ensure That Your Property Passes

When it comes to ensuring that your property passes, you need to install the right level of soundproofing for each room during the development phase. There are a wide range of soundproofing options that cover walls, ceilings, floors, gardens and more.

Planning your soundproofing before starting your development is essential to you passing the assessment as it allows you to install all the necessary mitigations before the project is finished. Some of the most common mitigations include:

• Distance separation
• Acoustic barriers
• Acoustic glazing & doors
• Screening barriers
• Alternative ventilation strategies
• Sound insulation

What Do Noise Assessments Entail?

The following points provide a clear overview of what is involved in a noise assessment:

• Full measurements of currently noise levels at the development and the surrounding area
• Calculated predictions of noise levels on the proposed development
• Calculated prediction of the impact on the surrounding areas because of the development
• Full consideration of noise mitigations to protect the development and/or surrounding areas

According to Nova Acoustics, once your noise assessment is complete, you will get a report with recommendations that you need to follow so that your planning permission can be approved. Keeping a close eye on the quality of work that is being done will not only provide a better result for the building, but it will also have a huge impact on the noise control measures that you implement.

What Are the Noise Standards?

Every area has to adhere to Local, National and European guidelines and standards relating to noise levels. These are set so that developers can get an understanding of what is required prior to starting work.

Some of the key standards and guidelines include:

• The Noise Policy Statement – England
• BS4142 Methods for rating & assessing industrial and commercial sound
• Planning Practice Guidance
• Calculation of Road Traffic Noise & Design Manual for Roads & Bridges
• BS8233 Guidance on Sound Insulation & Noise Reduction for Buildings

Final Thoughts

Not only do correctly executed soundproofing options help you to pass planning permission applications, but they also reduce the impact on the health of your future occupants and improve their quality of life.

Passing the planning permission stage of any property development is vital and ensuring that the noise levels in and around the site are at the right level is a huge part of achieving this. By organising your soundproofing options as part of the planning process, you can be sure to pass your noise assessment with ease, allowing you to proceed with selling or renting the finished property.