Walnut Acoustics provided a detailed Noise Assessment to support the planning application for this project, demonstrating compliance with BS 8233:2014 and WHO guidance criteria for indoor and external amenity area noise levels.
Project Overview
Walnut Acoustics were engaged to conduct a noise survey and provide a comprehensive noise assessment for a proposed new housing development located near a motorway. The project required a detailed evaluation of road noise levels and the development of mitigation strategies to ensure a comfortable living environment for future residents.
Our assessment focused on identifying potential noise concerns early, and working closely with planning consultants and architects to integrate effective acoustic solutions into the proposed residential layouts and design before the planning application was submitted to the local authority.
Challenges & Requirements
- Road Traffic Noise Assessment – Evaluate the impact of continuous motorway noise on the proposed housing development. – site survey to acquire robust noise data.
- Compliance with BS 8233 & WHO guidance criteria – Ensure indoor and external amenity area noise levels meet recommended residential standards.
- SoundPLAN Noise Modelling – road noise level predictions at different floor elevations within the development and in garden amenity areas to determine mitigation needs.
- Site Layout Optimisation – Work with architects to refine building orientation and mitigation solutions including acoustic barriers where required.
- Planning Authority Engagement – Provide a clear and robust noise assessment report to be presented to environmental health officers and to work with them to address their concerns and to satisfy their requirements.
Our Approach
1. On-Site Noise Survey & Data Collection
We conducted detailed noise measurements at multiple locations across the site, capturing variations in motorway noise exposure during peak and off-peak hours.
2. SoundPLAN Noise Modelling & Analysis
We used SoundPLAN noise modelling software to calculate predicted external noise levels across the proposed development, which accounted for factors such as:
- Distance from the motorway and terrain across the area.
- Reflection of noise from buildings in the proposed development.
- Ground and air absorption during sound propagation.
3. Mitigation Strategy Development
To demonstrate compliance with BS 8233:2014 and WHO guidance criteria for indoor and external amenity area noise levels, we developed mitigation strategies, including:
- Optimised building layouts – for example – facing the front façades of houses most exposed to road noise towards the motorway to provide shielding to rear garden amenity areas.
- Glazing, ventilation and building envelope construction specifications to provide sufficient sound insulation performance to meet indoor ambient noise level criteria and provide acceptable levels of noise and ventilation comfort for future residents.
- Acoustic barriers (fences) and bunds – layout and positioning to provide optimum levels of noise attenuation where required.
4. Planning Submission & Local Authority Engagement
Our thorough noise assessment reports provided the necessary technical data and mitigation proposals to address planning and environmental health requirements.
- We liaised with the local authority’s environmental health team to resolve queries and demonstrate compliance with BS 8233 and WHO standards by providing additional information and noise level prediction data after further modelling.
- Additional specifications were provided in the form of a detailed noise insulation scheme for the proposed development with construction ready specifications and product recommendations.
Results & Project Impact
- Successful Planning Approval – The development received planning consent with an approved noise mitigation scheme provided to satisfy approval conditions.
- Optimised Acoustic Design – Early integration of acoustic solutions reduced the need for multiple revisions later in the planning process.
- Improved Residential Comfort – Future occupants benefit from a well-designed, quiet, and comfortable living environment.
- Compliance with BS 8233 & WHO criteria – Ensuring that internal and external noise levels meet the recommended residential criteria.
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