Planning Policy Guidance 24 (PPG24) noise assessments are required to place a proposed new dwelling in a noise exposure category (NEC) for both the daytime (0700 - 2300 hours) and night time (2300 - 0700 hours) periods.

Class or Type 1 sound level meters shoud be installed on site to monitor existing ambient noise levels.

Sound Planning consultants liaise with the local authority in order to establish a mutually accepted protocol for the PPG 24 assessment and submitted acoustic report.

Once the NEC has been extablished, PPG 24 gives advice as to the mitigation measures required for dwellings falling into that category.

Sound Planning conduct internal noise calculations in accordance with the rigorous methodolgy (6.7.2) of British Standard 8233: 1999.

Once the internal noise levels have been calculated, our consultants can specify a suitable noise mtigation design strategy. Strategies include improving the external facade composition:

• Glazing
• Ventilation
• Wall
• Roof
• Ceilings

Both BS 8233: 1999 and World Health Organisation 2000 recommend acceptable levels for external noise; the local authority may request mitigation measures such as the installation of acoustic barriers in order to mitigate external noise levels. Sound Planning will conduct the necessary barrier calculations in order to satisfy the demands of the local authority.

Please direct email enquiries to Dan Thomas