Peninsular Acoustics were commissioned by Barratt and David Wilson Homes to perform a Residential Noise Assessment to support a planning application for a residential housing development, to determine whether the proposed development site was suitable for residential use.
About the Residential Noise Assessment
The Acoustic Consultant measured existing environmental noise conditions at two locations across the site, assessing the noise risk for future residents, while identifying any specific acoustic considerations. The assessment included attended and unattended environmental noise monitoring across a three day period.
This assessment aims to determine the existing noise levels at the Site and, through acoustic calculations, evaluate the potential impact of noise on future occupants, recommending appropriate mitigation measures where required.
The following standards and guidance documents are relevant to this assessment:
- National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2024
- Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE) 2010
- Professional Practice Guidance on Planning and Noise (ProPG) 2017
- BS 8233: 2014 ‘Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings’
Acoustic Modelling & Assessment Methodology
An acoustic model was then developed to predict sound levels across the Site using the measured data. Based on this model, an assessment was completed in accordance with ProPG¹, covering:
- Evaluation of site noise exposure from road and other sources against ProPG risk categories and relevant guidance
- Preparation of an Acoustic Design Statement addressing good acoustic design, internal noise levels, external amenity areas, and other relevant considerations.
As part of the residential noise assessment, an acoustic model of the site and surrounding area was developed using Datakustik CadnaA® software to predict noise levels across the Site. The model was informed by measured survey data and takes into account key factors such as topography, buildings, and nearby road traffic. Sound levels were calculated in accordance with relevant national and international standards. The CadnaA® model will provide noise contours, enabling noise levels at proposed property facades to be known.
Construction & Ventilation Strategy
The proposed dwellings will feature brick construction, consisting of double-leaf brickwork with suitable acoustic and thermal insulation. Based on discussions with the Client, the proposed ventilation strategy will comprise whole-house ventilation with continuous extract fans.
The findings of the residential noise assessment indicate no acoustic constraints for the site, and all plots can achieve the required internal noise levels using standard thermal double glazing and window-mounted trickle ventilators.
and relevant British Standards.
Internal Noise Level Requirement BS 8233:2014
The following Acoustic Design Statement was made for the site in question;
The assessment of acoustic conditions at the proposed development has been undertaken in
accordance with BS 8233 and ProPG. The results of the residential noise assessment have demonstrated via the Initial Noise Risk Assessment that the Site is of Low risk to noise. A report was provided to the client for submission to the local planning authority as part of their planning application.
Peninsular Acoustics is an acoustic consultancy and a member of the Association of Noise Consultants with an experienced team of acoustic consultants who are Members of the Institute of Acoustics. We aim to provide expert guidance and technical reports to support our client requirements.
Please get in touch with Peninsular Acoustics if you have a proposed new residential development requiring a residential noise assessment to support your planning application. We would be more than happy to provide a quotation for a noise assessment and technical report suitable for submission for planning.
