PLANNING · HOMES · ACCOMMODATION

BS8233 noise assessments

For new homes, flats and other accommodation, understand how the surrounding noise environment may affect the development and what design measures may be needed.

When this may help

New housing or a change of use to residential accommodation
Sites affected by road, rail or neighbouring activity
A local authority request for an environmental noise assessment

What the work can include

Review the development plans and project requirements
Agree appropriate environmental noise measurements
Consider noise affecting the proposed accommodation
Prepare a report and recommendations for the project

Useful details for your enquiry

The site address and proposed building use
Plans and the number of proposed dwellings
Any planning condition or local authority correspondence

START WITH YOUR BRIEF

Already have a planning condition or assessment request?

Tell us what it asks for. Our consultant will review the requirements before agreeing the survey scope.

Tell us about your project

Prepare for your survey

Arrange access for the survey day and throughout any agreed monitoring period, including keys, escort and permissions for measurement positions.
Provide a site map or plan, the proposed layout and the wording of any planning condition or assessment request.
Confirm the site contact and safe arrangements for installing, protecting and collecting equipment; agree overnight arrangements where required.
Tell us about nearby sources, unusual events and any changes likely to affect representative measurements.

Please tell us before we travel if access, staff or operating conditions will not be ready. For distant visits we may travel the day before. We normally make no cancellation charge before setting off, but committed costs may still apply. Read our cancellation and preparation terms.

How we assess the noise

For proposed homes, conversions and other accommodation, we assess the surrounding sound environment and explain what it means for the development. BS8233 is commonly relevant to this work; the planning brief determines the guidance and evidence required.

Review the planning condition, proposed use, site plans, room layouts and relevant sources such as traffic, railways or neighbouring activity.
Agree representative measurement locations and periods, including daytime, night-time or weekend conditions where relevant. The survey length depends on the site and the question being assessed.
Record suitable noise indicators, commonly average levels and maximum events, with calibration, weather, survey positions and any justified corrections documented.
Assess the implications for internal rooms and external amenity areas where relevant. Consider layout, glazing, doors, the building envelope and an appropriate ventilation strategy; use prediction or modelling where needed.

What your report can include

The development brief, relevant assessment guidance, plans, monitoring locations and survey conditions.
Measurement results and relevant daytime and night-time assessment, with calculations or modelling assumptions explained.
Recommendations for the building design and noise mitigation, including glazing and ventilation where required by the scope.
Uncertainty, limitations and the implications of relying on closed windows or other design assumptions. Planning approval remains the local authority's decision.

Information that helps us quote

What is the proposed use, how many dwellings or units are involved, and is this a new build or conversion?
What nearby sources may affect the development, such as roads, railways or commercial activity?
Are site plans, floor plans and any glazing or ventilation proposals available?
Can monitoring equipment be placed securely on site, including overnight if needed, and are there access restrictions?

LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR PROJECT