Building and Architectural Acoustics

Environmental Noise and Planning

Within Sharps Redmore Partnership (SRP) there is a team of highly experienced consultants specialising in environmental noise projects.

SRP has considerable experience of noise assessment in the following business sectors:

• Retail

SRP provides advice and support to the UK’s leading retailers.
The advice includes the preparation of technical assessments in support of planning applications for:


• New and replacement, as well as extensions to, retail stores
• Variation of opening and delivery hours

We have supported planning applications by:


• Acting as expert witnesses at planning inquiries.
• Preparing detailed environmental impact assessments including activity noise impacts from car parking, petrol filling station forecourts, servicing and fixed ventilation and refrigeration plant noise.
• Negotiating with Local Planning Authorities.
• Assessing the impact on residences where the development is mixed use.
• Specifying noise mitigation schemes to reduce noise from activities associated with retail development including service yard noise management plans

We utilise noise mapping software wherever this is appropriate including our in-house developed program which deals specifically with mechanical services noise to the neighbourhood.

Clients include: Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Somerfield and Co-op


• Residential

We have considerable expertise relating to the environmental impact of residential developments based on the requirements of PPG 24 and the preparation of environmental impact assessments.
We have undertaken work in the following example areas:


• Evaluation of development plans
• PPG 24 studies and reporting
• Providing expert witness statements at public inquiries

Clients include: Persimmon Homes, Taylor Wimpey PLC, Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes


• Commercial and Leisure

We assist developers of commercial/leisure premises by undertaking baseline environmental noise and vibration measurements and preparing initial reports and guidance so that suitable (and where possible, alternative) environmental control measures can be costed.

Clients include: Next Generation Clubs, Powerleague, Tussauds Group, McClaren


• Industrial

We are able to assist manufacturers to develop schemes which will meet the strictly enforced planning requirements in terms of noise/vibration (often with regard to the guidance contained in British Standard 4142). This is always preferable to having to deal with Local Authority noise nuisance complaints after the factory is operational.

We can help by:


• Obtaining baseline noise and vibration levels early in the development phase
• Determine site noise limits
• Providing computerised predictions of noise from the proposed factory or new plant installations
• Recommend strategies for noise reduction using the principle of best available noise control techniques
• Liaise and negotiate with the Local Planning Authority and hold discussions with local residents

Clients include: GlaxoSmithKline, Newsquest, Quinn Plastics


• Distribution

Local Planning Authorities need to be satisfied that the noise impact of a distribution site can be controlled to meet stringent noise criteria, especially at night. This often requires a detailed noise assessment.

Our involvement with this type of project includes the following:


• Measurement of noise at similar sites so as to update and validate our extensive noise source data base
• Preparing computer simulations of the noise generated by site vehicle movements
• Assessing the noise of unloading and loading activities
• Assessment of refrigeration and ventilation plant noise
• Advice on the construction of the buildings to minimise noise breakout; the location and heights of acoustic screening and the operation of the site to minimise noise impacts
• Liaison and negotiation with the Local Planning Authorities regarding operational matters, noise limits, other technical issues and suitable planning conditions
• Preparation of planning reports, briefing notes for counsel and proofs of evidence
• Advising on practical noise mitigation measures at the construction stage


Clients include: Tesco, Palmer & Harvey McLane, ProLogis, Big Yellow, Somerfield


• Construction

SRP has considerable experience in the assessment of construction activity noise and vibration.

SRP can offer comprehensive construction noise and vibration monitoring services; including the development and implementation of monitoring strategies. SRP consultants have considerable experience in the preparation of (Control of Pollution Act, 1974) Section 61 prior consent applications for construction works for submission to local planning authorities.

SRP has extensive experience (monitoring, preparation of section 61 applications and expert witness services) of the assessment of construction noise from local retail developments to large regional infrastructure projects.

Clients include: BARR Construction, Pearce Group, John Sisk & Son, Kier Group


• Transportation

SRP has developed considerable expertise in the transportation noise field including aircraft, road and railways.

In particular our involvement with aircraft noise mapping using the Integrated Noise Model software commenced in 1992 and we have prepared many environmental noise impact assessments for regional and international airports in recent years. We are highly experienced in dealing with the following aspects of aircraft noise impact:


• Computer modelling to prepare noise contours around airports
• Assessment of the noise impact on the neighbouring community
• Noise measurement and monitoring of aircraft activities at airports
• Assessing the impact of and evaluating noise mitigation measures for aircraft maintenance operations
• Preparation of environmental noise impact assessments, detailed reports and proofs of evidence for planning inquiries

We have also been involved with many rail and road traffic projects and we have undertaken the following:


• Modelling of noise contours and levels alongside roads and railways using SoundPlanTM in accordance with the Calculation of Road Traffic Noise
• Measurements of road traffic noise
• Assessments in terms of the Noise Insulation Regulations and PPG24
• Development of noise reduction measures, together with options, in the design of new and altered highways
• Vibration assessments of proposed buildings adjacent to railways
• Preparation of proofs of evidence and reports dealing with road traffic noise

Clients include: Dublin Airport, Farnborough Airport (TAG Aviation), A14 Haughley Bends (Highways Agency)


• Expert Witness

SRP have provided a range of expert witness advice from Court of Appeal and High Court cases to Magistrate Court cases, local level public inquiries, informal hearings and written representation type appeals.

Our expert witness services include attendance at conferences with Counsel and the preparation and production of Proofs of Evidence.

Clients include: Tussauds Group, Tesco, Somerfield

In all projects the aim is to provide objective written or verbal advice that is straightforward to understand by the non technical persons.

Industrial Noise at Work

Mechanical Services

Vibration