New developments of pubs or clubs will normally require a Noise Impact Assessment to be carried out to assess the likely impact on local residents, indeed the Local Authority may even have their own specific guidance on:
i) Maximum permitted noise levels.
ii) Imposition of Noise limiting devices.
iii) Requirement to install Sound trap lobbies / acoustic doors / automatic door closers to the entrances / exits at the front and side of the premises.
iv) Speakers may not be permitted on the outside of the premises.
To assess the likely noise impact, a current background noise level is obtained from a site survey, normally over a 24hr period that the club will operate within, ie Saturday afternoon through to Sunday afternoon.
The main standard of assessing night club or pub noise is BS4142 however other standards are also referred to:
The purpose of the survey is to ensure that the noise level created by the proposed development does not exceed the W.H.O. (World Health Organisation) Levels, or the Environmental Protection Act (1990). In relation to a statutory noise nuisance.
With reference to the Environmental Protection Act (1990), the term ‘statutory nuisance’ is used in this explanation, to refer only to noise between private dwellings, given the act covers a much wider array of nuisance sources.
3.10 With reference to Section 79 ss 1 of the EPA (1990), the following matter constitutes a statutory nuisance:
“(g) noise emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or nuisance;”
The additional assessment of low frequency bass beat noise would also need to be carried out as this is a particular feature of modern clubs where as the normal standard of BS4142 does not cover this particular issue.
Where problems are found with the building construction or design, we would then also advise on methods or design changes to ensure compliance with the various imposed standards mentioned.