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Metrica Environmental Consulting

Noise Impact Assessments for Planning

Metrica's Acoustics team has extensive experience undertaking Noise Impact Assessments for a wide range of projects across the UK and internationally

Noise Impact Assessments are often required as part of the planning application to demonstrate that your development will not have a significant impact on existing receptors

We minimise project risk by working with our clients to avoid potential noise issues at the earliest stage by providing design advice and identifying appropriate mitigation.

Whether your development is in the residential, energy, infrastructure, or any other sector, our NIAs will generally include the following:

  • Consultation with relevant stakeholders
  • Noise survey / background noise monitoring
  • Noise modelling and prediction
  • Input into design and / or mitigation advice
  • Production of a simple, robust report

Depending on the type of development proposed, noise impact assessments are generally (but not exclusively) undertaken in line with one of the following methodologies:

  • BS 4142:2014+A1 Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound
  • BS 8233: 2014 Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings
  • BS 5228:2009+A1:2014 Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites
  • ETSU-R-97 The assessment and rating of noise from wind farms
  • World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines for Community Noise
  • Professional Planning Guidance (ProPG): Planning and Noise

Regardless of the size of the project, we provide concise, readable Noise Impact Assessment reports for submission as part of the planning application, supported by clear, pragmatic advice.

We have undertaken Noise Impact Assessments for the following development types:

Wind Farms & Wind Turbines

Solar Farms

Hydroelectricity

Energy Storage & BESS

Industrial and Commercial Infrastructure

Transportation Systems

Water Treatment Works

Construction

Property

The Process

How a noise impact assessment is undertaken

Our robust approach to undertaking noise impact assessments ensures your project has the highest chance of consent. A summary how a noise impact assessment is undertaken is as follows:

Consultation

Metrica will consult with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to agree the scope and methodology for the Noise Impact Assessment at the earliest possible stage. In addition, we will discuss and agree the assessment criteria against which the development will be assessed. This early consultation approach helps to ensure that your development is designed in line with the relevant criteria from the outset, preventing delays and/or design changes.

Noise Survey

Where required, Metrica will undertake monitoring of the local background / ambient noise or operational noise in line with requirements agreed with the Local Authority. This typically involves monitoring to determine the existing level of noise at the nearest noise sensitive receptors, and often requires the simultaneous monitoring of weather conditions. During monitoring, we will make a note of any subjective factors influencing the existing acoustic environment. This information is used to inform a contextual assessment of the development in terms of noise. Once noise monitoring is complete, Metrica will undertake a thorough analysis to determine the representative noise levels at the key noise-sensitive receptors.

Noise Modelling and Prediction

The prediction of noise at sensitive receptors is undertaken using our industry standard 3D modelling software. We produce both numerical and graphical representations of predicted noise levels, giving a clear indication of potential problem areas. Details of the noise source(s) are inputted into the software, along with details of environmental factors such as distance to the receptors, topography and ground absorption. Once the noise model is set up, calculations are undertaken to predict the noise level at the key sensitive receptors. The predictions are then assessed against the respective assessment criteria to determine whether design changes or mitigation is required.

Noise Mitigation and Acoustic Design Advice

Where predictions indicate that the assessment criteria will not be achieved, Metrica will investigate mitigation options or design changes to reduce noise, in close consultation with clients and the wider project team. Mitigation measures typically include moving noise sources further from receptors, selecting alternative plant, shielding behind existing structures, acoustic enclosures, noise barriers or sound attenuators. Metrica will generally provide a range of design and mitigation options so that your designers, engineers or architects can identify the most suitable solution for your development.

Noise Impact Assessment Report

Once predictions confirm that the Development will meet the respective assessment criteria, we will produce a robust, clear and concise NIA report. The report will contain details regarding the survey and representative baseline noise levels, noise predictions, noise mitigation measures and an assessment of predicted levels against the assessment criteria. The completed Noise Impact Assessment report can be submitted as part of the planning application to demonstrate that the development will not result in unacceptable noise impacts.

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