Environmental Noise Modelling

Predicting and mitigating environmental noise impact is essential for sustainable development, and can be a key consideration in the planning process where sites are affected by, or may affect, surrounding noise levels. 

Where environmental noise needs to be considered as part of a planning application, a robust assessment can help avoid delays by identifying potential impacts and appropriate mitigation early in the design process. 

Our services include:

• Environmental noise modelling and mapping using the latest version of Soundplan 
• Impact assessments and mitigation planning 
• Integration of findings into project design and planning decisions

Acoustics for master planning

Effective master planning integrates acoustic considerations from the start, rather than treating noise as a constraint once a scheme is already taking shape.

Guidance such as ProPG encourages a robust acoustic design process, particularly for residential developments. Early acoustic input can influence the positioning and orientation of buildings and rooms, helping protect noise-sensitive spaces from sources such as roads and railways.

Addressing acoustics at this stage can reduce the need for more costly mitigation later, while supporting better acoustic outcomes.

We provide acoustic input for master planning, noise and vibration impact assessments, and the integration of acoustic solutions into the overall plan.

Feasibility studies to support site suitability

Determining site suitability is a critical early step in project planning, and environmental noise and vibration can be significant considerations.  

Understanding a site’s noise and vibration constraints early provides a stronger basis for investment and design decisions, before significant time and cost are committed to the scheme. 

Our services include site surveys and noise mapping, vibration impact assessments, and detailed feasibility reports to support planning decisions.

Noise Impact Assessments

Noise impact assessments are typically required for new loud noise sources, such as music venues, industrial units, plant, or busy roads, or where new noise-sensitive development, like housing, is proposed near an existing loud noise source. It’s at the discretion of the local planning authority whether an assessment is required for any given development. 

We can help with: 

• Assessing the operational noise from a new development 
• Reviewing its effect on existing noise-sensitive receptors 
• Advising on mitigation needed to achieve acceptable internal ambient noise levels for new receptors 
• Liaising with the local planning authority to agree on an acceptable level of impact and support the planning application process.

Sound & Vibration Assessments for Planning

Planning applications often need detailed sound and vibration evidence to demonstrate that relevant acoustic impacts and constraints have been properly considered. 

Providing this evidence clearly and thoroughly reduces the risk of delay caused by further planning authority queries after an application has been submitted. 

Our services include noise and vibration surveys for planning support, impact assessments and mitigation strategies, alongside detailed reporting for planning submissions.

BS4142 Plant Noise Assessments

Plant noise can significantly affect both building occupants and the surrounding area, and is assessed against the BS4142 standard. 

Identifying potential plant noise impacts during design allows appropriate mitigation to be incorporated before installation, reducing the risk of complaints from neighbouring occupiers or issues in satisfying planning conditions. 

Our services include detailed plant noise assessments in compliance with BS4142 standards, and mitigation strategies to control plant noise.

Ongoing support for operational buildings

Acoustic performance can continue to be important once a building is operational, particularly where noise or vibration levels need to be monitored, verified or investigated over time. 

Monitoring and testing provide evidence of how a building is performing in use, allowing changes or emerging noise and vibration issues to be identified and investigated.  

We offer a range of services for operational buildings, including long-term noise and vibration monitoring, compliance testing and reporting, and comfort studies to ensure occupant satisfaction.

Soundscapes

A well-considered sound environment contributes meaningfully to occupant wellbeing, beyond simply controlling unwanted noise. 

Rather than treating sound purely as something to eliminate, a designed soundscape considers how positive and appropriate sounds can improve the experience of a space. 

Our services include soundscape design and implementation, integration of natural sound elements, and customised solutions for diverse environments.

Construction noise & vibration

Construction noise and vibration can affect nearby homes and other noise-sensitive properties, creating a risk of complaints, disruption and delays if not considered early.

We provide noise and vibration assessments, monitoring and mitigation advice to help manage these impacts. We can also support Section 61 applications, setting out proposed works, anticipated noise levels and control measures to seek prior consent from the local authority.