Environmental Noise Survey
The noise survey planners ask for. We measure existing noise at your site and assess its impact to the relevant British Standards, so your planning application stands up.
An environmental noise survey measures the existing noise climate at a site and assesses how it affects — or is affected by — a proposed development. It’s the survey planning authorities most often require when noise is a consideration, whether that’s road traffic, industry, commercial plant or neighbouring uses.
We carry out monitoring and assess the results against the appropriate standards — typically BS 4142 for industrial and commercial sources, BS 8233 for internal and external residential levels, and the ProPG guidance for new residential development.
Measured, assessed, reported for planning.
Baseline monitoring
We deploy calibrated equipment to log the existing noise climate over a representative period — daytime, night-time, or both as the assessment requires.
Standards-based assessment
Results are assessed to BS 4142, BS 8233 and/or the ProPG, depending on the noise sources and the development proposed.
Planning report & mitigation
A report suitable for submission, with practical mitigation — glazing, ventilation, layout or barriers — where it’s needed to satisfy a condition.
When you need one
- A planning condition requires a noise assessment before development can proceed.
- You’re building homes near a road, railway, industrial site or commercial premises.
- You need to demonstrate suitable internal and amenity noise levels for new dwellings.
One accredited team, start to finish.
ANC-aligned acoustics
Assessments produced by experienced acoustic consultants to the methodologies planners expect.
The right standard
We apply the correct standard for your sources and development type, so the assessment isn’t challenged.
Practical mitigation
Where mitigation is needed, we recommend buildable, cost-effective measures rather than over-engineered fixes.
Planning-ready reports
Reports written to be submitted directly with your application and to discharge conditions cleanly.
Environmental Noise Survey — your questions
Which standard will my survey use?
It depends on the noise sources and your development. BS 4142 is used for industrial and commercial noise affecting residential premises; BS 8233 sets target internal and external levels for dwellings; and the ProPG guides new residential development near transport noise. We use whichever the situation requires.
How long does the monitoring take?
Monitoring usually runs over a representative period covering the relevant daytime and/or night-time hours — often 24 hours or longer — to capture the true noise climate. We’ll confirm the duration when we scope your survey.
Can you recommend mitigation if levels are too high?
Yes. Where the assessment shows mitigation is needed, we recommend practical measures such as enhanced glazing, acoustic ventilation, screening or layout changes, and quantify the improvement they deliver.
Will the report be accepted by the planning authority?
Our reports are written to the relevant British Standards and structured for submission with your planning application, including the information environmental health officers look for when discharging a condition.
Related services
Get a quote for environmental noise survey.
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