Project Overview: 451-Home Housing Development in Bellshill, Glasgow
Metrica Environmental Consulting was appointed by Banks Property to deliver a comprehensive residential noise impact assessment for a 451-home housing development in Bellshill, Glasgow. The site, located on brownfield land south of Clydesdale Street, is surrounded by busy roads, a rail line, and nearby industrial premises. These conditions presented a complex acoustic environment, with noise impact on future residents being a key factor in the design of the Development.
Following submission of the application, along with the comprehensive noise report undertaken by Metrica, the scheme was consented by North Lanarkshire Council in October 2025.
Existing Acoustic Environment
To understand the existing acoustic environment, Metrica undertook a series of detailed noise surveys across the site. In addition to long term measurements made across the Site, short term measurements were taken of noise sources associated with the adjacent industrial operators, to ensure noise from these sources was accounted for as part of the assessment.
The results showed that the acoustic climate was dominated by road traffic and rail movements, with occasional contributions from nearby industrial activity.
Acoustic Modelling and Good Acoustic Design
Using SoundPLAN software, we developed a 3D acoustic model of the site, calibrated against the measured data. The model accounted for road and rail sources and included conservative assumptions for potential industrial operations to future-proof the assessment. This approach allowed us to predict noise levels at every proposed dwelling and test the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies.
Working closely with the design team, we implemented a combination of physical barriers and layout adjustments to ensure good acoustic design was implemented from the outset:
- Strategic orientation of dwellings and location of open spaces to maximise acoustic performance and reduce reliance on façade upgrades;
- An earth bund along the southern boundary to shield homes from industrial noise;
- Acoustic Fences around the most noise-sensitive areas to reduce rail and road noise.
Assessment Findings
Following implementation of the identified mitigation measures, the development was found to be acceptable in terms of noise, with the majority of homes meeting internal noise targets with open windows.
Industrial noise was assessed using the BS 4142:2014 assessment methodology, where the predicted rating levels were found likely to result in a low impact.
Why Developers and Architects Choose Metrica for Noise Assessments in Glasgow
Our Glasgow-based acoustic consultants and noise experts have extensive experience delivering robust noise impact assessments for planning applications across housing developments in the Glasgow area.
We take a planning-led approach to every noise assessment, ensuring our reports clearly define the acoustic criteria and demonstrate how the development meets agreed limits. By consulting early with local authorities, we agree on methodology and noise criteria upfront—minimising delays and reducing the risk of costly revisions later in the process.
Metrica identifies noise mitigation measures early in the design stage, helping architects and developers demonstrate good acoustic design from the outset. This proactive approach supports smoother planning approvals and ensures compliance with relevant standards.
