Residential Development Noise

inacoustic specialises in providing comprehensive noise assessments for residential developments as part of the planning process.

We understand the importance of creating a comfortable and healthy living environment for residents, which is why we employ state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to measure and evaluate noise levels in and around existing and future residential areas.

Our experienced team of acoustic consultants can identify potential noise sources and provide practical solutions to reduce noise pollution and ensure compliance with local noise regulations and noise guidance such as BS8233, Technical Advice Note 11 (TAN 11) and Pro PG: Planning & Noise.

We work closely with developers, architects, and planners to ensure that noise is considered from the earliest stages of a project. Our residential noise surveys and noise assessments identify any potential issues that may impact the feasibility and success of a residential development project, ensuring that our clients can deliver high-quality living spaces that meet the needs of the residents. Contact us today to learn more about our residential noise assessment services and how we can help you achieve your development goals.

Why does Noise need to be considered for Residential Developments?

When constructing a residential property, school, healthcare facility, or hotel, it is essential to consider potential infrastructure and transport noise sources like roads or railways, as these may affect the comfort of future occupants.

During the planning permission process, Local Authorities may request that a BS8233 noise survey is conducted to evaluate both internal and external noise levels and guarantee the amenity of future occupants. Although we always recommend that noise is considered as early in the design process as possible, You can undertake a BS8233 noise report during the pre-application stage of planning permission or you can undertake it once a planning application is submitted as part of the planning condition discharge process.

Once completed, the noise survey, noise assessment and technical noise report are submitted to the Local Authority's Planning and Environmental Health Departments to assess the expected noise impact on the development and ensure the implementation of appropriate protection measures. Ultimately, the BS8233 noise survey aims to ensure compliance with the National Planning and Policy Framework and the Noise Policy Statement for England and is an essential part of the planning process in the UK for the majority of residential developments.

How might a Residential Noise Assessment for Planning benefit my project?

A noise assessment can play a vital role in ensuring the success of your residential development project in several ways. Key benefits include:

  • Compliance: A noise assessment can help ensure compliance with local noise regulations and guidelines such as BS8233, Technical Advice Note 11 (TAN 11) and Pro PG: Planning & Noise. It helps to identify potential noise issues early in the development process, allowing you to take steps to address them.

  • Planning permission: Local authorities often require noise assessments to be conducted as part of the planning permission process, and failure to comply with these requirements can lead to delays and additional costs. By commissioning a noise assessment, you can demonstrate that you have taken noise concerns seriously, which can help expedite the planning permission process.

  • Health and wellbeing: A noise assessment can help ensure that your residential development project provides a comfortable and healthy living environment for eventual residents. Excessive noise can cause stress, sleep disturbances, and other health problems, and a suitable noise assessment can help you identify potential noise sources and take steps to meet key design criteria at later stages.

  • Property value: Noise pollution can decrease the value of residential properties, particularly those located near busy roads, airports, or industrial areas. By conducting a noise assessment to establish the commercial feasibility of a site, you can take steps to mitigate the negative effects of noise impact, which can help maintain property values in line with market conditions or even result in a premium being paid at the point of sale.

In summary, a noise assessment can help ensure compliance with regulations, expedite planning permission, improve the health and wellbeing of residents, and maintain or increase property values. It is a crucial step in the development process and can help you deliver high-quality living spaces that meet the needs of your residents.

Which Residential Projects does inacoustic specialise in?

As a residential noise specialist and an expert in residential noise from inception through design and towards completion, inacoustic supports clients across the UK and Ireland on a comprehensive array of projects. From single-unit self-builds and architectural passion projects to purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) tower blocks, urban condos, new-build housing estates and multi-thousand-unit new-town master planning and EIAs, our approach to residential noise and the results we deliver for our clients are industry-leading. 

Our prior project experience includes undertaking environmental noise surveys, completing noise assessments, specifying mitigation and delivering technical reports on the following scheme types:

  • Single-unit and small-scale residential housing

  • New-build housing estates

  • Residential refurbishment

  • Commercial or retail to residential renovation

  • New-town master planning

  • Apartment block development

  • Assisted living and independent living

  • Retirement living

  • Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

  • Hotels and guest houses

  • Temporary accommodation

  • Sheltered accommodation

  • Modular housing units

If you’re a developer, planner, architect, self-builder, multi-disciplinary consultancy or Local Authority and require a residential noise specialist, get in touch.