
What is a BS 4142 noise assessment – and why you might not need one?
April 22, 2022
When applying to your Local Authority for planning consent for a pub, restaurant, factory or any other type of industrial and commercial development, it is common for the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) to request that a BS 4142 noise impact assessment report is submitted with the application. So, what is a BS 4142 assessment?
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Why you should consider architectural acoustics when designing your new building
March 21, 2022
Building acoustics is a vital element of the design or refurbishment of many buildings. Sometimes, effective architectural acoustics are necessary to promote optimum levels of productivity in commercial premises, aid communication between individuals, or safeguard people’s health and wellbeing. Also, the way sound is transmitted is important in buildings that have a specific function, where […]
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Why you need vibration monitoring on your next construction project
March 4, 2022
Unfortunately, it is an unavoidable fact that there will often be people living or working in the vicinity of your construction sites. This is particularly true in dense urban areas where space is at a premium, so it’s important that disruption is kept to a minimum. While noise pollution from construction sites is a significant […]
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Why is sound insulation an essential consideration when developing houses and flats?
February 22, 2022
When developing houses or flats – either new build developments or where existing buildings are converted into dwellings, it is essential that sound insulation between the dwellings is carefully considered.
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5 Ways an acoustic consultant can help to get your business booming
February 15, 2022
Noise is an increasingly problematic issue in modern society, particularly in densely populated urban areas where the negative effects can be magnified. If your business activities are causing a perceived noise nuisance, people’s everyday lives, and even their health, could be affected.
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Construction noise assessments: the whys and hows
December 22, 2021
Construction can cause excessive noise and vibration, which may be problematic for local residents, businesses, or other noise-sensitive facilities (such as schools and hospitals). Noise can severely affect people’s quality of life.
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How weather conditions affect noise survey results
December 15, 2021
It’s fair to say that Britain is well-known for its unpredictable and sometimes wild climate! Wind and rain are commonplace throughout the year, while less discernible changes – for example, in atmospheric pressure or humidity – are also frequent.
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7 Acoustic considerations when developing a residential building
December 8, 2021
When residential buildings are being planned and developed, noise is an important factor to consider. The design of residential buildings is governed by law to ensure occupants can go about their daily business, including relaxing and sleeping, without interruption from adjoining premises. Planning conditions can also place limits on the permissible level of external noise […]
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Why consider noise when designing new developments?
November 16, 2021
While popular television programmes such as Escape to the Country have inspired a generation of homeowners who desire a rural retreat, some building developments have to be located in noisier areas. The gradual squeeze on suitable land around towns and cities has meant that residential dwellings are increasingly being sited close to sources of noise, […]
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What are the best ways to improve the sound insulation of an existing timber joist floor?
November 2, 2021
Effective noise control should be pre-planned into any new development as new homes are subject to Building Regulations Approved Document E, which aims to protect residents from noise in other rooms or adjoining properties.
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What Is ProPG: Planning & Noise and Why It Is Important at an Early Stage of Your Residential Development?
October 13, 2021
Getting things right from the earliest stages of residential development can increase the likelihood of achieving planning consent for your development and reduce costs. Not considering noise from the outset may seem innocuous, but getting it wrong can result in project delays, bureaucratic headaches, and lower returns. Here’s how ProPG Planning can help.
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4 Ways To Minimise Demolition and Construction Environmental Impact
October 7, 2021
Environmental monitoring describes how we regularly review the quality of an environment. During activities such as demolition or construction, where there is the potential for significant adverse impacts on the local environment, monitoring can help to reduce adverse effects to health, stress, and quality of life. Here are four things you can do to keep […]
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How Much Does A Noise Survey Cost?
September 28, 2021
The cost of a noise survey depends on many factors, the most important being what you need to achieve from the survey. Let’s take a look at each of the factors that contributes to the cost of a high-quality survey.
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What To Consider When Conducting A Noise Risk Assessment
September 24, 2021
The requirement for businesses to reduce employees’ exposure to noise is enshrined in law. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005) make it mandatory for employers to take positive action, by providing staff with the appropriate equipment and training. Employers have a legal duty to monitor noise levels by carrying out a workplace noise […]
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What Is An Acoustic Consultant?
September 16, 2021
The control of noise is extremely important in new build developments and the renovation or change of use of existing properties, as Local Authority planning departments will often require professional noise assessments before granting permission for work to go ahead.
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ACA Acoustics Are Now A SITMA Registered Testing Company – Book Your Sound Insulation Testing Today
September 2, 2021
We are delighted to inform readers that ACA Acoustics are now SITMA registered, making us fully accredited for sound insulation testing.
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Why Is Expert Acoustic Design Important In Health Settings?
August 5, 2021
As anyone who has been unlucky enough to endure an overnight hospital stay will agree, hospitals are rarely peaceful places. In fact, at most times of day and night, in-patient wards are perpetually busy, with equipment, staff, and patients combining to increase noise levels. However, noise is also exacerbated by poor acoustic design, such as […]
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Noise Assessments To Comply With The National Planning Policy Framework
July 20, 2021
Noise assessments are key components of planning applications for new developments, yet the path to achieving planning consent is often not simple. The planning system in England and Wales can be complicated, lengthy, and contradictory, with important decisions made by people, such as councillors, who may not easily understand the technical aspects of noise impact […]
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How An Acoustic Consultant Can Help Your Bar Or Restaurant Resolve A Noise Complaint Or Achieve Planning Consent
June 20, 2021
Restaurants, bars, and pubs are usually hives of activity, and from 21st June 2021 will hopefully become so again! In a busy hospitality venue it’s unsurprising – and inevitable – that noise is produced, particularly at times of the evening, and at weekends, when local residents are more likely to be at home. The problem […]
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How An Expert Noise Assessment Will Help You To Comply With BREEAM Credits HEA 05 And POL 05
June 11, 2021
BREEAM – the Building and Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method – is an important strategy for achieving sustainable design, construction, and operation of building projects in the UK. The international scheme awards credits according to the environmental performance of buildings.
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How Acoustic Consultants Can Get Your Planning Permission Approved First Time
May 12, 2021
When the development of residential properties, hotels, schools, or hospitals is planned, Local Authorities often request a noise assessment as part of the pre-application stage of planning permission. This is most likely if the site is in proximity to existing noise sources, such as transport hubs or industrial units. A noise survey may also be […]
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How Can An Acoustic Consultant Help You To Meet The Planning Department’s Deadlines?
May 5, 2021
Noise surveys are frequently required by Local Authorities as part of the planning application process for new projects of residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use developments. They are important when a proposed development:
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Why Does My Condenser Need An Acoustic Enclosure?
April 27, 2021
One of the most regular questions we get asked by clients, is why their new air conditioning condenser needs an acoustic enclosure when the neighbour’s units (or their own existing units) don’t have any noise control treatments. If this sounds like you, then here’s a brief guide to try and explain what can be a […]
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When Do You Need To Conduct An S61 Construction Noise Assessment?
April 21, 2021
Section 61 (S61) consents are awarded by local authorities for construction or demolition projects that generate noise and fall under Part III of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 (CoPA). As CoPA is primary legislation, it’s vital that applicants in the construction sector understand why S61 consents are necessary and how they may benefit from […]
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How To Comply With A BS 8233 Noise Assessment For Planning Applications
April 14, 2021
For developers of residential projects, which includes houses, rental apartments, and hotels, a noise assessment is a key element of the planning application process. BS 8233 is a critical component that must be considered if consent is to be awarded by the local authority.
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