• Planning

NVE can carry out noise and vibration impact assessments for developers as part of their planning application submission.

Planning applications have noise and vibration implications as a result of existing noise and vibration impacting on a proposed site or the proposed development impacting on existing units.

Noise and vibration assessments can be required as part of planning applications for proposals for new developments, building operations (e.g. structural alterations, construction, rebuilding, most demolition) or new installations (e.g. air source heat pumps, ventilation fans, etc).

 

• Transportation

NVE can undertake the assessment of noise and vibration from transportation sources that can form the basis of an impact assessment for a planning application or as a result of complaints.

NVE can assess noise and vibration from vehicles and trains by measurement and/or prediction.

NVE specialises in the evaluation and measurement of ground-borne vibration for the assessment of its effects on building structures, sensitive equipment/instruments/operations and people in buildings.

NVE can also recommend mitigation measures to reduce vehicle/train-induced ground-borne vibration and noise in buildings.

For this purpose, BS 6472-1: 2008 ‘Guide to evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings” is used.

Local Authorities often act on our recommendations, when required, by resurfacing or rehabilitating the length of the road responsible for the excessive vibration in buildings.

 

• Industry (Manufacturing, Production, Fabrication)

NVE can carry out a noise and vibration impact assessment from fixed industrial or commercial sources such as pumps, compressors, fans, transformers etc. For this purpose BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 ‘Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound’ is used.

 

• Demolition & Construction

Noise and vibration impacts from construction and demolition activity arise from most developments. These have the potential to cause high levels of disturbance as a result of the absolute levels of noise and vibration generated by these works and due to their proximity to existing sensitive receptors which can exacerbate these impacts.

Commonly Local Authorities will apply specific criteria to control noise and vibration impacts at nearby noise-sensitive receptors.

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Relevant Standards and guidance documents contain helpful information on suitable noise and vibration limits for demolition and construction phases in the context of the existing ambient conditions. These documents also detail accepted prediction and assessment methodologies such as those set out in BS 5228-1, BS 5228-2, BS 7385: Part2: 1993 and BS 6472-1.

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NVE can provide a range of long-term continuous noise and vibration monitoring installations for demolition and construction development phases. Typically, these installations would include remote access and notification of non-compliance with agreed limits by text or email alert to allow immediate action and to minimise delay to the works. NVE can also liaise with the Local Authority on behalf of the client to ensure that a monitoring programme meets the requirements of all interested parties.

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NVE can provide the necessary services and technical support in the preparation of noise and vibration predictions, as part of a formal Section 61 agreement. NVE can also recommend the best practicable means to control noise and vibration impacts at nearby noise-sensitive receptors.

Section 61 of The Control of Pollution Act 1974 sets out the recognised structure for managing and controlling noise and vibration from major demolition and construction sites.

 

• Building Services

NVE can undertake the assessment of structure-borne noise and vibration from building services such as heating, ventilation, water and air conditioning systems.

 

• Nuisance

NVE can assist with the investigation of noise or vibration nuisance from external and internal sources. NVE specialises in the evaluation and measurement of ground-borne vibration in buildings from vehicles and trains. NVE can also provide advice to individuals or companies who have been served with a noise abatement notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.