Receptor
When considering the design of new residential buildings or conversions, the internal layout and how the layout in neighbouring units correspond with each other, is extremely important in the context of noise. This is advocated by the BRE’s Sound Control for Homes document (Planning to control internal noise) and reiterated in BS8233.
When functional living spaces are above, below or next to bedrooms in separate dwellings, conflicts can arise between neighbouring properties. Compliance with Building Regulations does not provide any certainty that this would not be a problem for future occupiers. This is due to the limitations of the acoustic separation required by Approved Document E.
Consider good design principles to reduce noise conflicts between adjacent rooms. These include:
- positioning bedrooms so they are not above, below or next to kitchens or living rooms serving separate dwellings - services (such as lifts or plant rooms) should be kept away from bedrooms
- room layout of neighbouring dwellings should be stacked and mirror each other - stairs should ideally be located away from bedrooms in an adjacent dwelling
- Using hallways as buffer zones between noise sensitive rooms and noisy communal/service areas
Source
For developments that are likely to generate noise, there are 4 broad types of mitigation:
- Engineering - reducing the noise generated at source and/or containing that noise.
- Layout - where possible, optimise the distance between the source and noise-sensitive receptors. Also, incorporate good design to minimise noise transmission by screening with natural or purpose-built barriers or other buildings.
- Restricting activities - restricting activities allowed on the site at certain times and/or specify permissible noise levels. Differentiate as appropriate between different times of day, such as evenings and late at night.
- Insulation of buildings - insulation can mitigate the impact on areas likely to be affected by noise
Construction and demolition phase
The developer of a development proposal may involve an extended period of construction. As a result, there may be short to medium term impacts during the construction phase. This has the potential to be significant in terms of disturbance on neighbouring premises. It should be considered as part of a noise impact assessment that includes vibration from demolition and construction activities.
It is accepted that noise is an unavoidable feature of the construction process. The developer and contractor will be expected to take all reasonable steps to minimise disturbance.
Where there are noise sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the construction site, working hours on site should normally be confined to the following:
- 8am to 6pm on weekdays
- 8am to 1pm on Saturdays
- no noisy work on Sundays or bank holidays
These hours are likely to be specified in a planning condition.
Where a construction works are expected to be significant, for example large scale and extended duration, the council may add a planning condition requiring the developer to submit a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).
Applicants may wish to submit such a plan with the application up-front, avoiding the need for a condition.
The CEMP must detail the activities that are likely to give rise to noise and vibration. It should include the measures that will be put in place to minimise noise/vibration levels as far as practicable.
The plan should represent a set of commitments by the developer to minimise the creation of noise throughout the demolition and construction phases. Whilst the developer has the primary responsibility, they will also make sure that the requirements are included in contracts, agreements and orders with contractors, sub-contractors, and suppliers.
The key elements in a CEMP should include:
- procedures for maintaining good public relations including complaint management, public consultation, and liaison
- arrangements for liaison with the Environmental Health (Environmental Quality Team, Public Protection Partnership)
- an undertaking that all works and ancillary operations which are audible at the site boundary, or at any such other place to be agreed with the Local Planning Authority shall be carried out:
- 8am to 6pm on weekdays
- 8am to 1pm on Saturdays
- at no time on Sundays and bank holidays.
- an undertaking that deliveries and removal of plant, equipment, machinery and waste from the site will only take place within the permitted hours detailed above
- mitigation measures as defined in BS552: parts 1 and 2:2009 Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites, to be used to minimise noise disturbance from construction works
- procedures for emergency deviation of the agreed working hours
- an undertaking to require any contractors to be ‘considerate contractors’ when working in the borough by being aware of the needs of neighbours and the environment
- control measures for dust and other air-borne pollutants
- measures for controlling the use of site lighting, whether required for safe working or for security purposes