What is a Noise Impact Assessment?

Getting it right at the front end is essential to avoid costly issues later and our services are specifically designed to reduce that risk.

These assessments ensure that noise levels comply with planning policies, safeguard public health, and create comfortable environments for occupants and surrounding communities.

Whether you’re developing a residential property, a commercial building, an industrial site, or simply installing a heat pump, understanding the acoustic implications is essential to securing planning permission and meeting regulatory standards.

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A noise impact assessment is typically required for new developments, especially residential projects, to evaluate how noise will affect future occupants and how noise generated by the development might impact existing sensitive receptors.

Factors explored in an assessment can include potential noise sources such as nearby roads, railways, or industrial activities, as well as the likely impact of noise from proposed development on the surrounding area.

These assessments help ensure that suitable mitigation measures are identified to protect public health and maintain a high standard of living for all parties involved.

Noise impact assessments:

• Ensure a development’s compliance with local planning policies and guidelines.
• Protect future occupants from excessive noise exposure.
• Identify mitigation measures to control noise emissions.
• Facilitate smooth planning approvals by addressing potential concerns early.

Noise assessments are often required by local authorities to support planning applications, particularly in noise-sensitive developments such as housing near busy roads, railways, or industrial areas.

• Initial Consultation: Definition of your project requirements and scope.
• Noise Survey: Comprehensive measurements of existing environmental noise levels on-site. Learn more about our Noise Survey services.
• Data Analysis: Download and processing of the measurement results, suitable for use in assessment.
• Assessment Against Relevant Standards: Relevant calculation and modelling work and comparison of the results against industry standards, such as BS 8233, WHO Guidelines, or BS 4142. Explore Relevant Standards for Noise Impact Assessments.
• Mitigation Strategies: Determination of any recommendations for reducing possible noise impacts, such as enhanced glazing, acoustic barriers, or layout adjustments.
• Report Preparation: Creation of a professional, detailed report that sets out the details of the whole process and any final recommendations.
• Submission to the Planning Authority: Support your planning application with our report product.

When you are ‘introducing a change’ to an area, you are the ‘Agent of Change’. The legal responsibility is therefore on you as that ‘agent’ to mitigate any adverse effects of noise as a result of the change.

We will support you to understand what actions you must take to fulfil your legal obligation.
As well as the relevant planning policies for the responsible Local Planning Authority, we also observe the guidance provided in a number of national planning and engineering standards, including:

• The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
• ProPG: Planning & Noise: ProPG provides guidance on achieving acceptable acoustic conditions in new residential developments. It emphasises a holistic approach to design, ensuring that noise is considered early in the planning process to avoid potential conflicts and deliver high-quality living environments. ProPG underscores the importance of ‘good acoustic design’ as a key factor in creating sustainable and liveable residential spaces.
• BS 8233: Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction. Noise intrusion assessments following BS 8233 result in specific recommendations for glazing and trickle vent sound reduction.
• BS 4142: Methods for assessing industrial and commercial noise. Noise emission assessments using BS 4142 as a basis can lead to recommendations for optimal placement of equipment and noise control measures, such as barriers, enclosures, or other mitigation solutions.
• World Health Organisation (WHO) Noise Guidelines.

Learn more about the relevant standards for noise impact assessments and planning policy.

Q: When do I need a noise impact assessment (NIA)?

A: You’ll need an NIA for any development likely to produce or be affected by significant noise levels, such as housing near transport hubs or industrial zones, or for the introduction of a new source such as building services equipment.

Q: How long does it take to complete an NIA?

A: Typically, 2-3 weeks, but the turnaround will depend on the complexity of the project and our lead time.

Q: What are the main outcomes of an NIA?

A: The key outcomes include noise level predictions, compliance assessments, practical mitigation measures and a comprehensive report.

Q: How much will an NIA cost?

A: As the scale of noise impact assessments can vary greatly, the fee for an NIA will depend entirely on the requirements and the scope of the project, which will be determined in our first contact.

At Attune, we specialise in providing accurate, comprehensive noise impact assessments tailored to your specific project needs. Our expert team has over 20 years’ of experience in delivering:

• Accurate noise surveys using suitable, Class 1 certified and UKAS calibrated equipment.
• Clear, actionable reports that satisfy planning requirements.
• Proactive communication with you and the Local Planning Authority to streamline approvals.

Attune is also listed on the Institute of Acoustics’ (IOA) website.

Don’t let noise issues delay your project.

Contact us today to schedule a professional noise impact assessment or to discuss your project requirements. Let’s ensure your development not only achieves optimal acoustic performance but also meets the necessary regulatory requirements.