Case study

Sharps Redmore were engaged by the Leiston Works Railway in Suffolk with respect to their heritage steam rail project.

The group have fully restored the steam shunt ‘Sirapite’ which historically hauled materials to the Garrett’s Engineering works.

The aim is to restore a short section of rail in the centre of Leiston to allow Sirapite to take visitors on a short journey enhancing the Leiston Long Shop Museum experience.

The proposed route is close to residential dwellings and although the operations will be at very low speed, potential noise and vibration impacts were required to be assessed.

Sharps Redmore conducted sound and vibration measurements of Sirapite in action at the museum.

A noise and vibration assessment report was then supplied to accompany the planning application to Suffolk Coastal District Council, and planning permission for the project was granted in March 2016.