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9 NOISE AND VIBRATION

INTRODUCTION

9.1 This section of the ES considers the likely significant effects of the Proposed

Development in terms of noise and vibration. This chapter describes the assessment

methodology; the baseline conditions currently existing at the Site and surroundings; the likely

significant environmental effect during the construction and operational phases of the

Proposed Development; the mitigation measures required to prevent, reduce or offset any

significant adverse effects; and the likely residual effects after these measures have been

employed.

9.2 A brief introduction to noise and vibration terms used in this chapter is presented in

Appendix 9.1.

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ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY AND SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA

9.3 Planning Policy Guidance, PPG24 (Ref 9.1) been superseded by The National

Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (March 2012) (Ref 9.2). The NPPF sets out the

Government’s economic, environmental and social planning policies for England. It attempts

to summarise in a single document all previous national planning policy advice. Taken

together, these policies articulate the Government’s vision of sustainable development, which

should be interpreted and applied locally to meet local aspirations.

9.4 Three principal areas have been identified where noise control measures have been

considered to gauge the suitability of the Site for development purposes; these are:

Engineering: Reduction of noise at source (by using quieter machines or quieter

methods of working), or by containment of noise (by insulating buildings, housing,

machinery and/or by providing purpose built barriers), and by protecting noise

sensitive buildings (by improving the sound insulation of these buildings and/or by

screening them by using purpose built barriers).

Layout: Providing adequate distance the between the noise source and noise

sensitive buildings, and by screening using natural barriers such as buildings or

non-critical rooms in a building.

Administrative: Limiting times of operation, restricting activities on site, or

specifying an acceptable noise limit.

Construction Noise and Vibration

9.5 The impact of noise and vibration during construction of the Proposed Development

requires prediction and assessment in accordance with the guidance presented in BS 5228:

2009: ‘Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites’ (Ref.

9.3).

Changes in Road Traffic Noise

9.6 The impact of changes in noise level resulting from changes in traffic flow and

composition on existing roads as a result of the operational development requires assessment

in accordance with the guidance presented in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges

(DMRB): 2008: Volume 11 ‘Environmental Assessment: Section 3 Environmental Assessment

Techniques’ (Ref 9.4).

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Building Services Noise/Operational Noise

9.7 The impact of noise from operational activities or any building services associated with

the Proposed Development requires assessment in accordance with British Standard

4142:2014: ‘Method for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound’ (Ref 9.5) either

assessing the impact of, or proposing limits for, such equipment.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

9.8 The measurement, prediction and assessment of noise and vibration levels associated

with the Proposed Development and the significance of their potential impacts have been

assessed in accordance with national guidance and recognised codes of practice. A three-stage process has been adopted. First, the sensitivity of the noise and vibration receptors is

assessed. This is followed by an assessment of the magnitude of the noise and vibration

impacts and finally the significance of impacts. These are discussed below and have been

specifically applied to the following conceptual significance impact matrix as appropriate.

9.9 Sensitivity

9.10 The criteria set out in Table 9.1 below have been applied to identify noise/vibration

sensitive receptors either on or adjacent to the Site. The majority of the receptors are termed

‘local’ (within 600m of the Site).

Table 9.1 – Noise and Vibration Receptors

Sensitivity Description Receptor

High

Receptors that are especially susceptible to noise/vibration

Residential dwellings, Schools, Hospitals, Care Homes

Moderate

Receptors where a reasonable degree of noise disturbance is acceptable

Offices

Low Receptors where noise is tolerable

Retail shops, restaurants

Negligible Receptors where noise is not likely to be a factor

Sports Grounds, commercial and industrial environments

9.11 The scale shown in Table 9.2 has been adopted to assess the significance of both

Noise and Vibration effects. The basis of this scale is derived from professional experience.

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Table 9.2 – Significance Matrix

Magnitude Of Change

Receptor

sensitivity

High Moderate Low Negligible

High Major Major Moderate Minor

Moderate Major Moderate Minor Minor

Low Moderate Minor Minor Negligible

Negligible Minor Minor Negligible Negligible

Effect Magnitude: Construction Phase

9.12 Noise levels generated by construction activities have the potential to impact upon nearby noise-sensitive receptors. However, the magnitude of the potential impact will depend

upon a number of variables, such as:

the noise generated by plant or equipment used on site;

the period of time construction plant is operational;

the distance between the noise source and the receptor; and

the level of likely attenuation due to ground absorption and barrier effects.

9.13 BS 5228 sets out a methodology for predicting, assessing and controlling noise levels arising from a wide variety of construction and related activities. As such, it can be used to

predict noise levels arising from the operations at proposed construction sites. BS 5228 also

sets out tables of sound power levels generated by a wide variety of construction plant to

facilitate such predictions.

9.14 The prediction procedure essentially involves taking the source noise level of each

item of plant and correcting it for (i) distance effects between source and receiver (ii)

percentage operating time of the plant; (iii) barrier attenuation effects; (iv) ground absorption;

and (v) facade corrections. The latter correction involves a 3dB noise increase due to the

reflection effects for a receiving point location 1m in front of a building facade. All predictions

presented in this section include the façade correction and in addition, assume that the ground

between the source and receiver is acoustically hard, to represent worst case.

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9.15 Noise levels generated by the proposed site operations and experienced at local

receptors will depend upon a number of variables, for example:

the amount of noise generated by plant and equipment being used at the

development site generally expressed as a sound power level;

the periods of operation of the plant at the development site, known as the 'on-

time’;

the distance between the noise source and the receptor, known as the 'stand-off’;

the attenuation due to ground absorption or barrier effects; and

the reflection of noise due to the presence of hard vertical faces such as walls.

9.16 BS 5228 gives several examples of acceptable limits for construction or demolition

noise. The most simplistic being based upon the exceedance of fixed noise limits and states in

paragraph E.2:

“Noise from construction and demolition sites should not exceed the level at

which conversation in the nearest building would be difficult with the windows

shut.”.

“Noise levels, between say 07.00 and 19.00 hours, outside the nearest window

of the occupied room closest to the site boundary should not exceed: 70

decibels (dBA) in rural, suburban areas away from main road traffic and

industrial noise or 75 decibels (dBA) in urban areas near main roads in heavy

industrial areas. These limits are for daytime working outside living rooms and

offices."

Table 9.3 – Construction Noise Magnitude

Noise Level LAeq,T dB Description

>75 Major Adverse 70 – 74.9 Moderate Adverse 55 – 69.9 Minor Adverse

<55 Negligible

9.17 It is worth noting that the purpose of the target construction noise criteria is to control

the impact of construction noise insofar as is reasonably practicable, whilst recognising that it

is unrealistic for developments of this nature to be constructed without causing some degree of

disturbance in the locality. Hence, even if the criteria adopted for this assessment is achieved,

noise from construction activities is likely to be readily noticeable and as such, in broad assessment terms may be approaching an adverse impact level of moderate significance. It is

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further noted that the local authority may restrict the hours of construction and construction

related traffic on the Site.

Construction Vibration

9.18 Vibration may be impulsive, such as that due to hammer-driven piling; transient, such

as that due to vehicle movements along a railway; or continuous, such as that due to vibratory

driven piling. The primary cause of community concern generally relates to building damage

from both construction and operational sources of vibration, although, the human body can

perceive vibration at levels which are substantially lower than those required to cause building

damage.

9.19 Damage to buildings associated solely with ground-borne vibration is not common and

although vibration may be noticeable, there is little evidence to suggest that they produce

cosmetic damage such as a crack in plaster unless the magnitude of the vibration is

excessively high. The most likely impact, where elevated levels of vibration do occur during

the construction phase, is associated with perceptibility.

9.20 BS 5228 indicates that the threshold of human perception to vibration is around

0.15mm/s, although it is generally accepted that for the majority of people vibration levels in

excess of between 0.15 and 0.3 mm/s peak particle velocity (PPV) are just perceptible.

9.21 There are currently no British Standards that provide a methodology to predict levels of

vibration from construction activities, other than that contained within BS 5228 which relates to

percussive or vibratory piling only. Therefore, it is not possible to accurately predict levels of

vibration during the site preparation and construction phases of the development. As such, to

control the impact of vibration during the site preparation and construction of the Proposed

Development, limits relating to the perceptibility of vibration have been set.

9.22 Accordingly 1 mm/s ppv has been selected as the target criteria to control the impact

of construction vibration, with the criteria for assessing the magnitude of vibration impacts

according to the margin by which this target criterion is achieved or exceeded presented in

Table 9.4 below. This target criterion is based on the guidance contained within BS 5228,

experience from previous sites and accepted vibration policy criteria across a range of

enforcing authorities elsewhere in the UK. The limits are presented in terms of peak particle

velocity (PPV) as it is the simplest indicator for both perceptibility and building damage.

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Table 9.4 – Construction Vibration Magnitude

Vibration Level, PPV mm/s Description

>1.0 Major Adverse 0.3 – 1.0 Moderate Adverse

0.15 – 0.29 Minor Adverse <0.15 Negligible

9.23 Again, it is worth noting that the purpose of the target construction vibration criteria is

to control the impact of construction vibration insofar as is reasonably practicable and is

entirely based on the likelihood of the vibration being perceptible, rather than causing damage

to property. Hence, although vibration levels in excess of 1 mm/s ppv would be considered a

Major Adverse impact in respect of the likelihood of perceptibility, they would not be

considered significant in terms of the potential for building damage, which would require levels

of at least 15 mm/s ppv to result in minor cosmetic damage in light / unreinforced buildings.

Effect Magnitude: Completed Development

9.24 The aim of noise policy within the UK is to protect individuals from excessive noise

levels both in the workplace and within their homes. It has been recognised that severe

annoyance to individuals due to noise can lead to sleep disturbance and adverse health

effects.

9.25 The NPPF does not give a set of criteria for external noise assessment and therefore

guidance within contemporary British Standards and other internationally published

documents has been considered.

9.26 For the purposes of this assessment, external noise levels at nearby noise sensitive

receptors (e.g. residential use) have been derived on the basis of the guidance given in

BS4142.

9.27 BS 4142 sets out a method to assess whether noise from factories, industrial premises

or fixed installations is likely to give rise to an adverse impact at noise-sensitive receptors in

the vicinity. The procedure contained in BS 4142 for assessing the likelihood of an adverse

impact is to compare the measured or predicted noise level from the source in question, outside the dwelling, the LAeq,T ‘specific’ noise level, with the measured LA90,T ‘background’

noise level.

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9.28 Where the noise contains a ‘distinguishable discrete continuous note (whine, hiss,

screech, hum etc.),then a correction of +6 dB is added to the specific noise level to obtain the

‘rating’ LAr,Tr noise level. Similarly, if there are distinct impulses in the noise (bangs, clicks,

clatters or thumps) then a maximum of 9 dB is added to the specific noise level.

9.29 The guidance presented in BS 4142 has been used to derive criteria for assessing the

impact of building services plant noise, as presented in Table 9.5.

Table 9.5 – Operational/Building Services Noise Level Assessment (Magnitude)

Excess of LAr,Tr Rating Noise Level above Existing LA90,T Background Noise

Level

Description

10 dB or more Major Adverse 5.1 – 10 dB Moderate Adverse

0 – 5 dB Minor Adverse 0 dB or less Negligible

Road Traffic Noise

9.30 The impact of any changes in road traffic noise levels has been assessed in

accordance with the principles and guidance presented within the Design Manual for Roads

and Bridges (DMRB).

9.31 The DMRB states that “The impact of a project at any location can be reported in

terms of changes in absolute noise level. In the UK the standard index used for traffic noise is

the LA10,18hr level, which is quoted in decibels”.

9.32 In order to determine whether changes in traffic noise levels are likely to occur as a

result of the Proposed Development, noise levels have been predicted in accordance with the

methodology contained within the Calculation of Road Traffic Noise (CRTN 1988) (Ref 9.6),

based on traffic flow data for the local road network with and without the development.

9.33 The DMRB also presents an impact significance matrix for assessing the magnitude of

changes in noise level, which has been used as criteria for assessing the impact of any

changes in road traffic noise levels and is summarised in Table 9.6.

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Table 9.6 – Change in Road Traffic Noise Magnitude

Change in Noise Level, dB(A) Description

>5.0 Major Adverse 3.0 - 4.9 Moderate Adverse 1.0 - 2.9 Minor Adverse 0.0 - 0.9 Negligible

Development Vibration

9.34 The assessment of potential vibration impacts has been carried out in accordance with

BS 6472: 2008 ‘Guide to evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings’, Part 1,

‘Vibration sources other than blasting’ (Ref 9.7), which provides guidance over the frequency

range 0.5 Hz to 80 Hz.

9.35 BS 6472 describes how to determine the vibration dose value, VDV, from frequency-

weighted vibration measurements. The vibration dose value is used to estimate the probability

of adverse comment, which might be expected from human beings experiencing vibration in

buildings. Consideration is given to the time of day and use made of occupied space in

buildings, whether residential, office or workshop. BS 6472 states that in homes, adverse

comment about building vibrations is likely when the vibration levels to which occupants are

exposed are only slightly above thresholds of perception.

9.36 BS 6472 contains a methodology for assessing the human response to vibration in

terms of either the vibration dose value, or in terms of the acceleration or the peak velocity of the vibration, which is also referred to as peak particle velocity. The advice contained in BS

6472 states that when the vibration is intermittent, the vibration dose value, or VDV, may be

used to assess the potential for effects.

9.37 Appropriately-weighted vibration measurements can be aggregated to derive the

vibration dose values. The vibration dose value is a single figure descriptor that represents the

cumulative dose of transient vibrations, taking into account the frequency spectrum and

duration of each event. The vibration dose value is determined over a 16 hour daytime period

or 8 hour night-time period.

9.38 The recommendations and guidance presented in BS 6472 have been used to derive

criteria for assessing the impact of development generated vibration on nearby residential

dwellings, as set out in Table 9.7.

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9.39 Table 9.7 – Development Vibration Magnitude Description

Night-time Vibration Level, VDV

Daytime Vibration Level, VDV

Description

>0.51 >1.6 Major Adverse

0.26 - 0.51 0.80 - 1.6 Moderate Adverse

0.13 - 0.25 0.20 - 0.79 Minor Adverse

<0.13 <0.20 Negligible

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LEGISLATION, PLANNING POLICY AND GUIDANCE

National Policy: National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

9.40 The NPPF sets out the Government’s requirements for the planning system only to the

extent that it is relevant, proportionate and necessary to do so. It provides a framework within

which local people and their accountable councils can produce their own distinctive local and

neighbourhood plans, which reflect the needs and priorities of their communities.

9.41 Under Section 11; Conserving and enhancing the natural environment, the following is

stated:

“The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local

environment by:

preventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being

put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable

levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability”

9.42 The NPPF goes on to state:

“avoid noise from giving rise to significant adverse impacts on health and quality

of life as a result of new development;

mitigate and reduce to a minimum other adverse impacts on health and quality of

life arising from noise from new development, including through the use of

conditions;

recognise that development will often create some noise and existing businesses

wanting to develop in continuance of their business should not have

unreasonable restrictions put on them because of changes in nearby land uses

since they were established; and

identify and protect areas of tranquillity which have remained relatively

undisturbed by noise and are prized for their recreational and amenity value for

this reason”

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Local Policy

9.43 East Northamptonshire Council’s Core Strategy and the East Northamptonshire

Minerals & Waste Framework (Ref 9.8) outlines the Council’s policies on renewable energy

and waste management. The policies refer a need to minimise noise pollution and ensure that

local noise sensitive receptors are not unduly disturbed by noise.

Regional Policy

9.44 The East Midlands Regional Plan (Ref 9.9) gives similar guidance as above the need

to encourage recovery from waste processes but minimise the impact of noise on noise

sensitive receptors.

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BASELINE CONDITIONS

9.45 The baseline conditions across the Site have been determined by a combination of

environmental noise and vibration measurements and computerised noise modelling

techniques. This combined approach has been employed due to the extent of the Site, the

topography and the number of differing noise sources.

9.46 The existing noise conditions at the Site boundary with noise-sensitive receptors have

been determined by attended environmental noise and vibration measurements, which

commenced on 6 June 2016 and completed by 9 June 2016.

9.47 The primary purpose of the noise survey was to gather sufficient acoustic information on noise levels at the Site and at existing noise-sensitive receptor locations in the vicinity of

the Site during daytime and night-time periods. This data is used to validate the predictive

noise modelling carried out in the following assessment and to allow appropriate noise limits to

be set for any proposed building services plant.

9.48 Since existing residential receptors are approximately 750m away (Figure 8.1) and

affected from numerous noise sources, the ambient noise survey was undertaken at the Site’s

eastern boundary.

Measurement Survey

9.49 The environmental noise measurements were carried out between the 6 and 9 June

2016, to determine the prevailing noise levels during daytime and night-time periods.

9.50 The weather conditions during the attended surveys were conducive to noise, with

mostly dry conditions, with wind speeds ranging from 1 to 5 m/s.

9.51 All noise measurements were undertaken between 1.2 and 1.5 metres above local

ground level and under free-field conditions. The microphones were fitted with protective

windshields for the measurements. The vibration measurements were carried out with the

transducers placed on open earth and weighed down with sand bags to ensure a good

connection with the surrounding area.

9.52 All acoustic measurement equipment used during the noise surveys conformed to

relevant Type 1 specifications. A full inventory of this equipment is presented in Table 9.8.

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Table 9.8 – Inventory of Acoustic Measurement Equipment

Item Make & Model Serial Numbers

Sound Level Meter Larson Davis LD820 1350 Calibrator LD CAL200 3724

Sound Level Meter Larson Davis LD824 1309 Calibrator LD CAL200 3723

Vibration Meter Vibrock V901 0747

9.53 All noise measurements were undertaken by consultants competent in environmental

noise monitoring, and, in accordance with the principles of BS 7445: 2003 (Ref 9.10). The

noise parameters of LAeq,T, LA10,T, LA90,T, and LAmax were recorded at each location.

9.54 All vibration measurements were undertaken by consultants competent in vibration

monitoring in accordance with the principles of BS 6472. The vibration meter was a self-

calibrating meter and had been laboratory calibrated within the 24 months preceding the

survey.

9.55 Recorded noise measurement results for the measurement locations are presented in

Table 9.9 (see Appendix 9.2 for full results).

Table 9.9 – Summary of Measured Noise Levels, Location 1

Date Daytime

LAeq, 16 hr

dB LAmax dB LA90 dB

BS4142 Mode LA90 dB

6 June 2016 53.5 68.1 46.2 7 June 2016 47.2 62.4 37.5 8 June 2016 50.2 64.8 39.2

Average, daytime

51.0 65.1 41.0 37.0

Night-time

LAeq, 8 hr dB LAmax dB LA90 dB

BS4142 Mode LA90 dB

6/7 June 2016 49.5 61.6 36.6 7/8 June 2016 40.8 52.2 35.8 8/9 June 2016 49.9 58.1 42.5

Average, night-time

48.2 57.3 38.3 33.0

Daytime and night-time vibration survey results at location one are presented in Table 9.10.

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Table 9.10 – Measured Vibration Levels

Date Duration X Axis Y Axis Z Axis

6 June 2016 16 hr daytime 0.014 0.011 0.014 6/7 June 2016 8 hr night-time 0.014 0.010 0.015

9.56 During the surveys, it was observed that noise from nearby industrial units was audible

from time to time but not contribute greatly to the overall ambient noise climate.

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IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF KEY EFFECTS

9.57 This section considers the potential effects associated with the noise egress during the

construction and operation of the Proposed Development.

9.58 Potential noise impacts arising from the completed development include the

consideration of access roads, building services noise, as well as development activities over

a 24 hour period.

During Construction

9.59 The operation of equipment associated with site preparation and construction of the

Proposed Development has the potential to result in noise effects at existing noise sensitive receptors in the vicinity.

9.60 In order to estimate and assess the effect of noise during construction of the Proposed

Development, noise predictions have been undertaken using the calculation methods outlined

in BS 5228.

9.61 Details of the plant and assumptions made in the construction noise predictions are

provided in Appendix 9.3. The predictions are based on source noise data for the various

items of plant, as presented in BS 5228.

9.62 In order to provide as detailed an assessment as possible at this early stage,

reasonable assumptions about the type and quantity of construction plant likely to be required

have been made. The assumed construction works associated with the proposals have been

divided into three discrete sub-phases: enabling works (including site preparation); sub-

structure (including foundations) and super-structure (building erection). Piling noise is also

considered for assessment purposes.

9.63 With regard to barrier attenuation effects, consideration has been given to the acoustic screening that will be provided by permanent structures on the intervening land between the

proposed construction areas and receptor, in addition to the natural screening created by the

topography of the area. To provide a robust assessment however, the construction noise

predictions assume no attenuation from site hoardings at receptor locations.

9.64 Construction noise levels have been predicted at the closest existing representative

noise sensitive receptor locations to the Proposed Development.

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9.65 The predicted noise levels are ‘worst case’, assuming the shortest distance between

the source of construction noise and the receptor. The noise levels predicted at the closest

façade of each construction assessment position during each phase and sub-phase of the

works are shown in Table 9.11.

Table 9.11 – Worst-case Façade Construction Noise Levels LAeq,T dB (rounded)

Receptor Construction Phase Enabling Works Sub-

structure

Super-structure

Piling

Brookfield 44.8 46.6 43.4 51.4 Corby Business Academy 44.0 45.8 42.6 50.7

73 Pen Green Lane 42.0 43.9 40.6 48.7 Priors Hall Development 47.9 49.8 46.6 54.6

9.66 The comparison of the results presented in Table 9.11 above with the target noise

criterion of 75 dB LAeq,T identifies that façade noise levels for the nearest existing residential

settlements located at Priors Hall are predicted to be below the target criteria for all

constructed related operations due to the intervening distances and shielding by commercial premises. It should be noted that all construction plant will not be operating simultaneously nor

will it be operated at the closest distance to the residential areas for all of the time as assumed

for the purposes of a worst-case scenario assessment.

9.67 Comparison of these results with the criteria presented in Table 9.3 identifies that for

all phases, at the majority of the residential receptors, construction noise effects would be

classified as ‘negligible’. Due to the high sensitivity of the receptors, the significance is classed

as ‘Minor’ prior to mitigation

9.68 To reduce the adverse impacts to a minimum, mitigation measures are considered

later in this chapter.

Construction Vibration

9.69 Table 9.12 below details the distances at which certain construction activities could

give rise to a just perceptible level of vibration. These figures are based on historical field

measurements.

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Table 9.12 – Distances at which vibration may be just perceptible

Construction Activity Distance (m)

Excavation 10-15 Heavy Vehicles (e.g. dump trucks) 5-10

Hydraulic Breakers 15-20 Large Rotary Piling Rig 20-30

Driven Piling Rig (if required) 10-20

9.70 On the basis of the figures presented in Table 9.12 regarding the distances at which

vibration from various construction activities is likely to be perceptible, nearby residential

properties are unlikely to be affected. However, mitigation measures to control the impact of

construction vibration are presented in the following section.

Operational Phase

9.71 The measured noise levels show that the Site is affected by industrial/ commercial/transportation related noise. Noise levels across the Site range from 51 dB(A)

during the daytime and 47 dB(A) during night-time.

9.72 The Site will incorporate the plant within purpose built buildings. However, all buildings

will be beyond 750m from the nearest residential areas and are substantially shielded by other

existing commercial/industrial premises and therefore unlikely to significantly affect the

ambient noise climate.

9.73 The design of the installation has taken into account the potential impacts on the

environmental and neighbouring receptors with regards to noise.

9.74 The design limit for all process within the building is set at 82 dB LAeq,T (continuous,

reverberant) within process buildings. To ensure a robust approach, this assessment makes

the assumption that noise levels within the new building could be at a maximum 82 dB (LAeq,T)

during periods of the night which is considered to be worst-case. Noise levels at the stack will

be 45 dB(A) at a distance of 10m.

9.75 It is considered that given the level of noise control engineering that has been

designed into the plant and the sound insulation that will be provided by the building fabric

(see below), that there is no potential for the internal installed equipment to create a noise

nuisance at the neighbouring receptors.

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9.76 All associated external ancillary plant (i.e. combustion fans etc) will be enclosed within

dedicated acoustic enclosures and screened by the main plant building. All discrete air

emissions sources have been specified to be fitted with stack attenuators, such they are

inaudible at the Site boundary.

9.77 It is likely that the building fabric will give a 40 dB (R’w + Ctr). However, the sound

insulation of the building fabric will be assessed at the detailed design stage of the process.

For the purposes of this assessment, the estimated noise level directly outside the process

building will be 42 dB though at the detail stage, a noise model will be constructed to confirm

this level.

9.78 Using the sound reduction data and the reverberant internal noise levels, BS 4142

noise assessment levels (including the 6 dB worst case tonal penalty, normally this would be a

4 dB penalty) at the nearest representative noise sensitive receptors has been estimated and

presented in Table 9.14.

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9.79 Table 9.14 – BS4142 Estimated Noise Levels at the nearest representative noise

sensitive receptors.

Brookfields (2 storey)

Corby Business

Academy (2 storey)

73 Pen Green Lane (2 storey)

Priors Hall (2 storey)

Calculated noise level outside the process building – 42 dB LAeq,T

Distance to process building, m

1000 1100 1400 750

Distance Correction, dB ground height 1.5m)

-60 -61 -63 -58

Calculated noise level at receptor (far-field distance attenuation)

0 (ambient level 48 dB)

0 (ambient level 48 dB)

0 (ambient level 48 dB)

0 (ambient level 48 dB)

Specific Noise Level, dB LAeq,T

0 (ambient level 48 dB)

0 (ambient level 48 dB)

0 (ambient level 48 dB)

0 (ambient level 48 dB)

Acoustic Feature +6 +6 +6 +6 Impulsive Correction (large distances to receptors and character of the area)

0 0 0 0

Rating Level, LAeq

48 48 48 48

Lowest LA90 dB (at night)

29.2 29.2 29.2 29.2

Excess over Rating

0 0 0 0

BS4142 Assessment

Low Adverse Impact

Low Adverse Impact

Low Adverse Impact

Low Adverse Impact

9.80 The BS4142 noise assessment will be confirmed with detailed noise modelling (e.g.

radiating surfaces) at the detailed design stage of the process. However, provided that the

above measures are incorporated within the development design, this would ensure that the

level of noise emitted from any plant is adequately controlled. This would remove the necessity

for any further specific mitigation measures and ensure that, at most, the impact of noise from

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the process will be of ‘negligible’ significance. Similarly, LAmax noise levels are calculated to be

less than the existing ambient LAmax.

Deliveries

9.81 The development will be served by 64 HGV’s (128 HGV trips) on a daily basis. Using

the methodology advocated in CRTN, roadside noise levels are not expected to significantly

increase the overall daytime noise levels on the road network (less than 1 dB). With reference

to the criteria adopted for this assessment, such changes in noise level would be classified at

most, as ‘negligible’. At night, there might be up to 13 HGV trips/hr and this will contribute less

than 3 dB which is classed as a ‘minor’ change. However, the local authority have indicated that a noise management plan be formulated in order to keep delivery noise (e.g. use of

reversing bleepers, doors opening etc) to an acceptable minimum.

Road Traffic Noise

9.82 The traffic flow data provided from the Transport Assessment has been used as the

basis for the road traffic noise assessment. As described above, 18-hour Annual Average

Weekday Total (AAWT) flows were provided for the local road network surrounding the

Proposed Development for the 2020 and 2025 situation with and without development.

9.83 Traffic noise predictions have been made using the CRTN prediction methodology.

The methodology has been used to predict the magnitude of any change in noise level

resulting from the development proposals at the roadside of the local network.

9.84 The predicted changes in noise level, identified with respect to the road traffic noise

impact assessment criteria, are presented in Table 9.15.

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Table 9.15 – Estimated Basic Noise Levels on Local Road Network, LA10,18hr

Road Link

2020 2025 Noise

Change

Baseline Baseline +

Development Baseline

Baseline +

Development 2020 2025

Shelton

Road

65.0 64.7 65.1 65.4 -0.3 0.3

Steel Rd W 73.4 73.4 73.7 73.7 0.0 0.0

Steel Rd E 72.5 72.4 72.5 72.5 -0.1 0.0

Phoenix

Parkway N

73.2 73.1 73.2 73.2 -0.1 0.0

Phoenix

Parkway S

71.8 71.7 71.8 71.8 -0.1 0.0

Steel Rd S 74.0 73.8 74.1 74.1 -0.2 0.0

A43 E 73.8 73.7 73.8 73.8 -0.1 0.0

A43

Bangrave Rd

75.0 74.9 75.0 75.0 -0.1 0.0

A427

Weldon Rd

73.2 73.1 73.2 73.2 -0.1 0.0

A43

Bangrave Rd

S

73.6 73.6 73.6 73.8 0.0 0.1

9.85 Table 9.15 identifies that all of the existing noise-sensitive receptors adjacent to the

road network are likely to experience increases in noise level of less than 1 dB and with

reference to the criteria adopted for this assessment, such changes in noise level would be

classified as ‘negligible’.

174

ASSESSMENT OF CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

9.86 A summary of other Proposed Development schemes in the area is presented in

Chapter 3.

9.87 As identified earlier in this Chapter, the Proposed Development will result in negligible

effects on the ambient noise climate during the operational phase for all receptor locations.

Given that other Proposed Developments are at greater distances than the receptors included

within this assessment, it can be concluded that cumulative impacts will not be significant.

9.88 Cumulative noise impacts during the construction phase are also considered to be

negligible.

175

ENHANCEMENT, MITIGATION AND RESIDUAL EFFECTS

Mitigation - Construction

9.89 To control the impact of noise during construction of the Proposed Development,

contractors will ensure that works are carried out in accordance with best practicable means (BPM) as described in BS 5228 comprising of the following:

Where possible, ‘silenced’ plant and equipment will be used;

Where vehicles are standing for a significant period of time, engines will be switched

off;

Acoustic enclosures will be fitted where possible to suppress noisy equipment;

Plant will operate at low speeds, where possible, and incorporate automatic low speed

idling;

Where possible, electrically driven equipment will be selected in preference to internal combustion powered, hydraulic power in preference to pneumatic and wheeled in lieu

of tracked plant;

All plant will be properly maintained (greased, blown silencers replaced, saws kept

sharpened. Teeth set and blades flat, worn bearings replaced etc);

Consideration will be given to temporary screening or enclosures for static noisy plant

to reduce noise emissions and plant should be certified to meet any relevant EC

Directives;

All contractors will be made familiar with the guidance in BS 5228 (Parts 1 & 2) which will form a pre-requisite of their appointment; and

Early and good public relations with the adjacent tenants and occupants of buildings

will also reduce the likelihood of complaints.

9.90 These general measures to control construction noise will be incorporated within the

Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and/or detailed in construction method

statements. By adopting the recommended best practicable means, construction noise levels

can typically be reduced by 10 dB(A).

9.91 The CEMP will present procedures to control the potential impact of noise at any

proposed residential units that are occupied prior to the completion of the construction

activities at the Site. Essentially, where construction activities associated with any phase are

identified to be within the critical distances identified above, consideration will be given to the use of quieter techniques or targeted and specific noise mitigation measures (such as reduced

176

duration of operation, enclosure of equipment etc.) to ensure continued compliance with the

criterion limit.

9.92 All vibration sensitive receptors are at a distance greater than 750m and therefore

further mitigation measures are not necessary.

Mitigation - Operation

9.93 All noise sources will be adequately controlled by design of the buildings and with

appropriate level of attenuation resulting in noise levels below 20 dB at the nearest noise

sensitive receptor at Priors Hall (including tonal corrections). Therefore, further mitigation

measures are not necessary. Similarly, noise from deliveries is expected to be lower than that currently existing and therefore further mitigation measures are not necessary.

Residual Effects

Construction

9.94 With the implementation of the mitigation outlined above, a reduction in general

construction noise levels at receptors of approximately 10 dB(A) would be expected and is

presented in Table 9.16.

Table 9.16 – Residual Worst-case Façade Construction Noise Levels LAeq,T dB (rounded)

Receptor Construction Phase Enabling Works Sub-

structure

Super-structure

Piling

Brookfield 35 37 33 41 Corby Business Academy 34 36 33 41

73 Pen Green Lane 32 35 31 39 Priors Hall Development 38 40 37 45

9.95 Comparison of these results with the criteria presented in Table 9.3 identifies that for

the majority of phases, at some noise sensitive receptors, construction noise effects would be

classified as negligible.

Operation

9.96 No further mitigation measures are considered necessary to control the effect of noise

and vibration, therefore the effects remain ‘negligible’.

177

SUMMARY

9.97 This Chapter has considered the noise and vibration effects of the Proposed

Development and the effects of noise and vibration generated by the Proposed Development

on surrounding properties, during construction and operational phases. The assessment has

been based on a series of environmental noise measurements undertaken at the Site and

noise predictions.

9.98 During the construction phase of the Proposed Development, there is likely to be a

negligible impact on nearby receptors and although the construction works are temporary by

their very nature, mitigation measures have been formulated to minimise the noise disturbance. With appropriate mitigation in place the significance of impact on the high

sensitivity receptors will remain negligible.

9.99 During the operational phase of the Proposed Development, the noise impacts will

have a negligible effect on existing sensitive receptors due to the appropriate design and

mitigation of the buildings.

178

Table 9.17: Noise And Vibration Summary Table

Potential Effect

Nature of Effect

(Permanent or Temporary)

Significance

Mitigation/

Enhancement Measures

Residual Effects

Noise: Construction Impacts

Direct, Temporary Short-Term Local

Negligible

Implementation of Best Practicable Means to control noise emissions

Negligible

Vibration: Construction Impacts

Direct, Temporary Short-Term Local

Negligible Implementation of Best Practicable Means to control vibration

Negligible

Noise: Site Suitability Direct, Permanent Long-Term Local

Negligible Appropriate sound insulation

Negligible

Vibration: Site Suitability

Direct, Permanent Long-Term Local

Negligible None Negligible

Noise: Changes in road traffic noise

Direct, Permanent Long-Term Local

Negligible None Negligible

179

REFERENCES

Ref 9.1: Planning Policy Guidance PPG24 ‘Planning and Noise’. 1994 The Stationary Office,

1994

Ref 9.2: The National Planning Policy Framework, March 2012, The Stationary Office, 2012

Ref 9.3: British Standard 5228: 2009: Code of practice for noise and vibration control on

construction and open sites. BSI, 2009.

Ref 9.4: Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB): 2008: Volume 11 Environmental

Assessment: Section 3 Environmental Assessment Techniques.. The Stationary Office, 2008.

Ref 9.5: British Standard 4142:2014: Method for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound. BSI, 2014.

Ref 9.6: Calculation of Road Traffic Noise (CRTN), The Department of Environment, The

Stationary Office, 1988

Ref 9.7: British Standard 6472: 2008: Guide to evaluation of human exposure to vibration in

buildings, Part 1, Vibration sources other than blasting. BSI, 2008

Ref 9.8: East Northamptonshire Core Strategy and the East Northamptonshire Minerals &

Waste Framework, East Northamptonshire Council 2011.

Ref 9.9: The East Midlands Regional Plan, 2006.

Ref 9.10: British Standard 7445: 2003: Description and measurement of environmental noise.

BSI, 2003.

Ref 9.11: Calculation of Railway Noise (CTN), The Department of Environment, The

Stationary Office, 1995

Ref 9.12: International Standards Organisation 9613-2 Acoustics – Attenuation of sound

propagation outdoors – Part 2 General method of calculation, ISO, 1999.