Housing Development Noise Assessments for Planning

Housing Development Noise Assessments for Planning

To meet the UK's demand for housing, planners and developers are increasingly looking towards noisier areas such as city centres and brownfield sites for new housing schemes. In order to demonstrate a sites suitability for housing, Local Planning Authorities may require a noise assessment that takes account of local policies and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Typically a noise survey would be carried out and the measured noise levels, supplemented by a noise model where required, would be compared with guidance on noise levels from the World Health Organization and BS 8223. In the case of industrial or commercial noise an assessment according to BS 4142 would be carried out. ACCON then prepare a report on the survey and assessment for submission with a planning application. A similar report may also be needed to discharge conditions when a local planning authority has set specific planning conditions relating to noise for a consented development.