The area of planning and noise is awash with often contradictory guidance, standards, codes of practice, and it is unusual that any one of these documents precisely covers all aspects of a case.

Very often there are strong conflicts of opinion between interested parties. We at Premier Measurements pride ourselves on being able to deal with the issues in a direct and simple manner. Problems relating to noise during the planning stages can usually be avoided or resolved with a good, detailed and accurate acoustic assessment report.

We undertake accurate on-site noise assessments to suit the needs of a client's problem and their pocket, and deliver concise and clear reports in a timescale which is again designed to suit the client.

PPG24

PPG24 requires a noise survey to be conducted at the planning stage to assess the overall suitability of the site's noise climate (NEC – Noise Exposure Category) for residential development. With it comes the possibility of noise control measures or a Sound Insulation Scheme being necessary as part of the planning application/conditions.

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BS4142

Noise from Industrial Sites is playing an ever-growing role with planning authorities. The Central Government's push to promote re-development of brown field sites is increasingly pushing together industrial and residential developments, where industrial noise levels and operating hours may pose a serious harm to amenity and quality of life.

Local authority control on noise emissions via planning can mean that the insulation of plant & machinery can be an important part of achieving sound pressure level limits, either at the site boundary or at nearby local sensitive receivers. Establishing guideline noise levels and limits and monitoring the compliance with those limits is often a crucial part of that process.

BS4142 provides the method of assessing industrial noise in areas where there is existing housing. The existing background noise is measured (at different times of the day if necessary) using the measure LA90. This is the level exceeded for 90% of the time.

Our consultants are extremely familiar with the methods and requirements of BS4142. We can offer detailed survey reports and outline mitigation measures with noise mapping to show the 'real life' effectiveness of the measures.

Such assessments can cover extraction systems, air conditioners, industrial plants, refrigeration units, and general use of industrial buildings.

For further information, please call: 01904 476 285 or visit: www.premiermeasurements.co.uk