Domestic AC, Swanley – Noise Emission Assessment
Client
Private Individual
Location
Swanley, Kent
Project Type
Domestic Planning Application – Plant Noise Assessment
Estimated Value
£10,000
Scale
Two external air conditioning units
Project Overview
This domestic planning application involved the installation of external air conditioning units close to residential boundaries, where potential noise impact on neighbouring properties was a material planning consideration.
Kimber Acoustics was appointed to assess the proposed plant noise and to provide evidence-based advice to support the planning submission.
Scope of Acoustic Services
Our work included localised baseline noise monitoring followed by a BS 4142 assessment of the proposed air conditioning units. Noise prediction modelling was undertaken to evaluate potential impact at neighbouring façades and to inform proportionate mitigation measures.
The assessment focused on established technical guidance for assessing plant noise impact, providing a clear and structured evaluation of likely acoustic effects.
Outcome
The application was refused on planning grounds related to concerns over the potential for future disturbance and complaint, based on the local authority’s interpretation of policy rather than non-compliance with the BS 4142 assessment framework.
Despite this outcome, the assessment provided clear technical evidence of predicted noise impact and highlighted the increasing role of policy-based judgement alongside standard acoustic criteria in domestic plant noise applications.
