Noise

NJD Environmental Associates can measure, model and assess noise to support your planning application or environmental permit with the use of the latest technology and software and can also assess noise levels within the workplace.

Planning and Noise

NJD Environmental Associates undertake noise impact assessments as part of the planning process for a wide range of proposed developments, including residential, industrial, mineral extraction and waste sites, renewable energy installa tions and change of use applications. This may also include consideration of noise generated during the construction phase.

We are very knowledgeable of the guidance that needs to be followed in order to satisfy the local planning authority that noise has been adequately addressed.

Our reports can be provided as stand-alone documents or can be prepared as chapters to include within an overall Environmental Statement.

Noise Modelling

NJD Environmental Associates uses state-of-the-art noise modelling software to produce coloured noise contour plans which can be used to determine the noise levels across proposed development sites from surrounding road, rail and industry.

The models can be used within the assessment to determine the noise impact and the degree of noise attenuation required to meet the relevant guideline levels.

Noise models can also be used to determine the levels associated with a proposed source of noise, i.e. a new road, industrial facility or wind turbine for example.

3-D images can also be provided to demonstrate the effects of buildings or barriers within the model.

Acoustic Design

Good acoustic design is a critical consideration for proposed development to ensure that noise levels within and outside the development are within acceptable limits.

A good acoustic design should consider various factors such as the site location and proximity to surrounding sources of noise, the intended use of the spaces, careful site layout, barriers and orientation of rooms. Good acoustic design does not mean “gold plating” or significantly increasing costs.

NJD Environmental Associates has many years of experience considering acoustic design from the outset and recommend that this is a key issue that should be addressed during the initial stages.

Noise Monitoring and Management

Noise monitoring is undertaken as part of the assessment process using the latest sound monitoring equipment, capable of undertaking long term measurements in order that the data obtained is representative.

NJD Environmental Associates can also prepare Noise Management Plans for construction activities, industrial operations and mineral extraction sites or entertainment premises, to ensure that noise is effectively controlled.

Noise monitoring is often required as part of the management plan to ensure the site is complying with conditioned noise limits stipulated within planning permissions or environmental permits. We can also undertake the relevant noise surveys to demonstrate compliance on your behalf and design appropriate monitoring protocols.

Building Acoustics and Sound Testing

NJD Environmental Associates provide internal acoustic design advice for a range of projects including: schools, hospitals, residential, offices and industrial units. We provide these services for both new build developments and for refurbishment projects.

We consider separating walls and floors, assess current or proposed room finishes to determine whether the reverberation criteria are achieved and assess whether in the internal ambient noise levels (IANL) are achieved both from noise intrusion and internal mechanical plant.

We work along side the project managers and architects throughout all RIBA Stages and can provide testing at the end of project to show compliance with the requirements.

We can also provide the above reports suitable to submit to meet the BREEAM requirements for the Hea05 and Pol05 credits.

Our consultants are also SITMA registered sound testers, independently audited and certified to undertake sound insulation testing.

What does this mean for our clients?

We can conduct pre-completion sound testing in accordance with BS EN 1SO 140 and the Building Regulations Approved Document E, providing our clients with the necessary sound test reports to demonstrate compliance.

Sound insulation testing can also be carried out as part of a change of use planning application or to discharge planning conditions required to demonstrate the level of attenuation afforded by the existing building fabric between two different uses, for example, a proposed residential apartment above a commercial premises. We can then advise on appropriate measures to enhance attenuation, if considered necessary.