Project Overview: Noise Impact Assessment for Industrial Unit, Glasgow
Metrica Environmental Consulting was appointed as the project’s Acoustic Consultants to prepare a Noise Impact Assessment in support of a planning application for a proposed stonemasonry workshop on Lawmuir Road, to the southeast of Glasgow. The development comprised a single industrial unit used for stone cutting, dressing and storage, located close to existing residential properties.
Due to the proximity of nearby dwellings, South Lanarkshire Council requested a detailed noise assessment for an industrial unit to demonstrate that the proposed operations would not result in adverse noise impacts.
The Challenge
The key constraint for the project was the presence of noise‑sensitive receptors approximately 50 metres from the proposed workshop. The Council required the noise impact to be assessed in accordance with BS 4142:2014+A1:2019, alongside specific external and internal noise criteria, including Noise Rating (NR) limits for nearby dwellings.
Operational noise sources included hand‑held stone cutting equipment, hammer and chisel work, and an electric forklift. Although all cutting activities were to be undertaken indoors, robust evidence was required to demonstrate compliance under worst‑case assumptions.
Our Approach
Metrica undertook a comprehensive Noise Impact Assessment, agreed in advance with the Council’s Environmental Health team. The scope included:
- Baseline noise monitoring at a representative residential location to establish prevailing daytime and night‑time background noise levels
- Preparation of a detailed Noise Report using BS 4142 assessment methods
- Acoustic modelling using ISO 9613‑2 to predict operational noise levels at the nearest dwellings
- Assessment of external amenity noise and internal noise levels, including NR35 daytime criteria
- Consideration of realistic but conservative operating scenarios
To assess internal noise, façade incident levels were combined with established open‑window attenuation values to provide a robust assessment of bedroom noise levels.
Outcome
The assessment demonstrated that the proposed workshop would meet all applicable planning noise criteria:
- BS 4142 rating levels were predicted to be no more than 4 dB above background, in line with Council requirements
- External noise levels were below daytime garden noise limits
- Internal noise levels were comfortably within NR35 criteria and daytime LAeq limits
The development was therefore confirmed as acceptable in acoustic terms, supporting the planning application.
Specialist Noise Assessment in Glasgow
This project highlights Metrica’s experience delivering clear, proportionate noise assessments in Glasgow and across Scotland. We support clients through the planning process with pragmatic advice, robust assessments and close liaison with local authorities.
If you require a Noise Impact Assessment or Noise assessment for an industrial unit, our team of Acoustic Consultants would be happy to help.
