Noise Assessments for Planning Applications
We provide noise assessments and expert advice to support applicants, planning consultants and architects throughout the planning process.
Let’s hear about your projectWe work closely with our clients to provide the necessary noise assessments and technical expertise for successful planning applications.
Pre-Application Support
Planning Application Noise Assessments
Planning Conditions & Compliance
Advising on Refused Applications, Re-submissions & Appeals
We offer a fast and reliable service delivering clear, understandable reports that make it easier for planning consultants to secure approvals and meet planning authority noise requirements.
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Our Services

Noise Assessment and Surveys for Planning Applications
Noise assessments and surveys evaluate the potential for impacts from existing noise sources on new noise sensitive receptors in the planning proposal (e.g. future residents) before submission. They also provide mitigation solutions to comply with current noise guidance – BS 8233:2014 and WHO – and local authority requirements.

Noise Impact Assessments
Noise impact assessments evaluate the potential for impacts from new noise sources in the planning proposal on existing and future noise sensitive receptors (usually residential) before submission. They also provide mitigation solutions to comply with current noise guidance and local authority and EHO requirements.

Re-submission & Appeal Support
Expert advice and noise consultancy for previously rejected planning applications, helping applicants and planning consultants to re-submit or support appeals.
Case Studies

Solar Farm and Battery Storage (BESS) Development
Consultancy services provided:
- Site survey, background noise measurements – establish location of the nearest residential noise sensitive receptors (NSRs). SoundPLAN modelling of noise sources and levels at NSRs.
- Initial feedback to inform layout designs and locations of various plant types including – string inverters, transformers, DNO Substations, battery storage units, and power conditioners.
- Review site layout, plant specifications and noise mitigation options with client designers to achieve optimum assessment levels before the submission of the noise impact assessment for the planning application.
- Review and respond to environmental health office and local authority comments, with revisions of noise impact assessment and provision of additional information where necessary.

New Housing Development
Consultancy services provided:
- Site survey, ambient noise measurements – road noise from motorway
- SoundPLAN modelling of road noise levels at proposed new dwellings
- Work with architects and planning consultants to consider proposed layouts and good acoustic design to meet BS 8233:2014 and WHO criteria for indoor and external amenity noise levels.
- Produce detailed noise assessment report for planning application.
- Review and respond to environmental health office and local authority comments, noise assessment revisions and provision of noise mitigation schemes.

Residential Development – Conversion of Office Block to Apartments
Consultancy services provided:
- Site survey, ambient noise measurements – road, public house and music venue noise sources.
- Produce detailed noise assessment report for planning application.
- Work with architects, mechanical consultants and energy assessors to produce a noise mitigation scheme in response to planning approval conditions.
- Glazing, construction and mechanical systems designs.
- SoundPLAN (Building Outside module) used to model predicted indoor ambient noise levels for the requested noise mitigation scheme.
Get in touch to discuss your specific requirements.

Why Walnut Acoustics?
With over 20 years of experience, Walnut Acoustics delivers bespoke noise and acoustic consultancy solutions tailored to meet your planning needs. Trusted by our clients, we produce the necessary information in a timely manner to help achieve successful planning applications.
Learn More About UsWhat Our Clients Say
Nick is extremely engaging and professional, he delivers nothing but high-quality advice. My experience with Nick and the team involved the preparation of a noise impact assessment which greatly helped to resolve a long-standing issue we were dealing with. Truly worth every penny.”
His service was nothing short of outstanding, and he guided and advised us every step of the way. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommended his services and would happily use Walnut Acoustics for our next project – Fantastic.”
We are extremely grateful for all the advice and assistance that was provided. I would recommend Walnut Acoustics without any hesitation. Nick, the acoustic consultant, was very professional and provided an excellent level of customer service.”
A quick response, knowledgeable and reliable consultants, comprehensive and understandable reports. I wish all my partners had the same level of professionalism and service delivery. Well done, Walnut Acoustics.”
Our Technical Expertise
We cover all the key noise standards, including BS 8233:2014 and BS 4142:2014+A1:2019, while also working with a wide range of other guidance and methodologies.
We use industry-leading software tools, including SoundPLAN, INSUL and high quality sound measuring equipment from Cirrus Research and Svantek to acquire robust noise data for our noise assessments.