Summary
Noise assessments are used where a development could create noise, expose future occupants to noise, or place sensitive uses near existing noise sources. For buyers, this is especially important near commercial uses, extraction equipment, deliveries, late opening premises, plant rooms, railway lines, busy roads and construction heavy schemes.
A good noise assessment should identify the noise sources, sensitive receptors, baseline measurements, assessment method, likely impact and mitigation. Mitigation may include layout changes, acoustic fencing, plant limits, operating hours, glazing, ventilation or planning conditions. Buyers should check whether the assessment deals with both completed development noise and construction phase noise, because the short term disruption can still be significant after purchase.
Definition
A noise assessment is a technical planning report that measures or predicts noise effects from, or on, a development and proposes mitigation where needed. It helps the local planning authority decide whether noise impacts are acceptable and what conditions should control them.