Planning conditions for all new developments, especially residential, schools and healthcare, require a noise impact assessment. A Noise impact assessment involves comparing the predicted noise levels from the proposed development against the prevailing background noise levels.
By measuring existing noise levels in an area, we can establish an appropriate noise level for new noise sources to avoid disturbance and ‘noise creep’. We also calibrate noise maps (see below) to show how sound propagates across a built up area.
Noise surveys are used to assess the impact of environmental noise on a new development, particularly residential developments, where they allow us to establish the acoustic strategy for ventilations and facades (BS 8233 assessment).
Where new noise sources will be introduced, noise surveys are the basis for a BS 4142 assessment (see below) to establish the level of disturbance occasioned to surrounding premises.
BS 4142 is the standard used to assess the potential for disturbance arising from industrial and commercial noise sources. In a BS 4142 assessment, the noise from an existing or future noise source is compared against the existing background sound level. Penalties are applied for acoustically distinctive characteristics such as intermittency or tonality. Based on the difference between the ‘rating level’ and background and considering the acoustic context of the area, the likelihood of disturbance to surrounding areas can be predicted.
A BS 4142 assessment is usually required at the planning stage for new industrial and commercial noise sources. It can also be carried out where noise complaints are received to investigate whether there is a basis for the complaints.
For complex sites, noise modelling is a great way to investigate how new noise sources will affect the surrounding area. Models allow us to consider factors such as the landscape, screening from buildings and the location of new noise sources.
We calibrate models using the data gathered from noise surveys, which means multiple noise sources in an area (e.g. roads, industry, rail) can be accurately represented. Models also allow us to optimise mitigation measures such as bunding and noise barriers, saving money for the client while making sure the surrounding area is appropriately protected from noise.
In early 2019, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) announced a move to their new headquarters at One Westfield Avenue in Stratford, London.
Appointed by TTSP, we worked with the architectural and design practice to deliver the design of the NMC’s new HQ. With the relocation, the NMC took the opportunity to create a space that brings key teams together, supporting collaboration and innovation. This included diverse areas to suit different tasks, such as open-plan office space, meeting rooms and a ‘town hall’ – a central space for everyone in the business to get together.
Acoustics are essential for offices designed to enable different functions, so we delivered sound insulation between the private offices and meeting rooms – many of which are used for highly confidential conversations – along with room acoustic design across all communal areas. We also provided building services noise control to ensure the space complies with noise regulations.
In their modern and flexible HQ, the NMC have created the optimal environment to enable their employees to better support nurses, midwives and nursing associates.
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