Planning Policy Guide 24 (PPG24) is a guide used by local authorities in England for deciding the suitability of residential locations for proposed housing developments. Generally it outlines the factors that need to be taken into consideration in determining planning applications both for noise- sensitive developments and for those activities which generate noise.
PPG24 details the noise exposure categories required for residential development and the recommended levels for exposure to different sources of noise.
We can provide a PPG24 assessment to determine the suitability for housing. This is done by identifying the 4 main Noise Exposure Categories (NEC) for the various types of noise source and their implications.
The Noise Exposure Categories, which the local planning authority would determine are as follows:
NEC A. Noise need not be considered as a determining factor in granting planning. The noise level at the high end of the category should not be regarded as a desirable level.
NEC B. Noise should be taken into account when determining planning applications and, where appropriate, conditions imposed to ensure an adequate level of protection against noise.
NEC C. Planning permission should not normally be granted. Where it is considered that permission should be given, for example because there are no alternative quieter sites available, conditions should be imposed to ensure a commensurate level of protection against noise.
NEC D. Planning permission should normally be refused.
The range of PPG24 surveys we can provide include:
Noise from Road Traffic survey.
For established roads it may be sufficient to base assessments on the current measured noise level. New potential developments near new or improved roads, local planning authorities should obtain forecast noise levels (next 15 years) from the local highway authority. In the event of vibration concerns advice on acceptable levels are detailed in BS6472:1992. Possible structure damage advice is detailed in BRE Digest 353 “Damage to structures from ground – borne vibration”. Please contact us for a range of road traffic noise surveys.
Our survey would provide:
A noise assessment survey to define a Noise Exposure Category. This would be for both day and night NEC’S and assessed using the DEFRA revised shortened method for Calculation of Road Traffic Noise.
Our survey provides precise details of the measurement period, the exact location and the weather conditions during this period.
All our measuring equipment is listed on the survey and has a current traceable UKAS calibration history. All instruments are checked both before and after the survey measurement period.
Our survey would provide an assessment of the existing noise level with regard to the proposal. Consideration is given to appropriate noise mitigation measures that may be required for the proposal.
Noise from Railway survey.
Noise from railways is transmitted from numerous sources. Local noise from railway activities should be treated the same as noise from industrial and commercial sources. Planning authorities will request from developers both the present levels of noise and also to consult with the rail operator to determine any significant operational alterations. Possible vibration and re-radiated noise from tunnels need consideration. See our railway noise survey page or the BS 6472. 1992 for further advice.
Noise from Civil Aircraft survey.
Where land is likely to become subject to significant levels of aircraft noise local planning authorities should determine approximately which areas are likely to fall within different exposure and none exposure categories.
Noise from Helicopters and Heliports survey.
Helicopter noise is different from fixed wing aircraft and is generally viewed as more intrusive and annoying. Planning applications for landing/take-off facilities should be accompanied with the take-off/landing flight paths and routes where appropriate. These routes should have been agreed beforehand with the National Air Traffic Services (NATS). Please see our aircraft and heicopters noise survey page for more details.
Noise from Industrial and Commercial Developments survey.
The possibility of complaint about noise from industrial development can be assessed using guidance in BS4142:1990. Since background noise levels vary throughout a 24 hour period it may be necessary to measure during both day and night periods. Significant noise levels emitted at the weekend as well as during the week will also require similar consideration. Public houses, night clubs discos and fast food restaurants can create noise difficulties due to activity often peaking late at night. Associated problems relating to traffic, car parking and customer noise will require consideration. Please see our industrial noise survey page to find out more.
Noise from Landfill Waste Disposal survey.
The conditions which apply to waste disposal licences, deliveries, days and hours worked, the amount of waste will affect the amount and level of noise generated. Useful information on noise level prediction can be found in BS5228:Part1.1984
Noise from Recreational and Sporting activities survey
For activities, for example open air concerts, the local planning authority have to consider how frequently the noise will be generated and the nuisance level to non participants. It may be reasonable because of circumstances to permit higher noise levels, subject to an hour’s limitation then would be expected from an industrial development. Advice on sport and noise can be found in PPG17 “Sport and Recreation” . If would like to find out more information regarding recreational surveys carried out by Sound Solution Consultants then please visit our restaurant & nightclub noise survey page
Please visit our Noise Surveys page for more information on the survey services carried out by Sound Solution Consultants.