FAQs

An acoustic consultant helps assess whether sound and vibration at a site are appropriate for how the building will be used. This includes making sure future occupants are not exposed to excessive noise or vibration, and that a new development or activity does not unreasonably impact neighbouring properties.

In simple terms, acoustics covers both unwanted sound and vibration (such as traffic noise, plant, or disturbance between properties) and desired sound and vibration, where spaces need to function as intended, for example homes, workplaces, or venues. The aim is not silence, but suitability for the proposed use.

The work usually involves measuring existing conditions, assessing them against recognised standards, and explaining the findings clearly in a written report. Where issues are identified, the focus is on practical, proportionate solutions rather than unnecessary or excessive measures. Not all projects require long-term monitoring or complex analysis, and the level of assessment is matched to the level of risk.

The consultant’s role is to provide independent technical evidence to support planning, design, or regulatory decisions, not to enforce outcomes or create obstacles.

Often, yes. If a development could be affected by traffic, railways, commercial activity, plant, or nearby businesses, the planning authority usually needs objective evidence that future occupants will have acceptable living conditions.

A noise report provides measured data and a clear assessment against recognised standards. Without it, applications are commonly delayed, conditioned, or refused because the authority has no evidence to rely on. Whether a report is required depends on location, proposed use, and planning policy, but it is far more common than many applicants expect.

Noise on its own does not usually stop development. What causes problems is failing to show that noise can be properly managed.

Planning decisions are evidence-based. If noise impact is unknown or poorly assessed, the authority cannot be confident that conditions inside the building will be acceptable. A competent noise assessment identifies risks early and shows how they can be mitigated through layout, glazing, ventilation, or design choices. This reduces uncertainty for planners and avoids surprises later.

Before submitting a planning or prior approval application is usually the safest point.

Getting a survey early allows the design to respond to real site conditions, rather than assumptions. If noise is only addressed after submission, the authority may request further information, impose restrictive conditions, or require redesign. Early assessment is generally cheaper and faster than retrofitting solutions once decisions have already been made.

Sometimes. Noise and vibration often come from the same sources, such as railways, busy roads, industrial sites, or mechanical plant. Even where airborne noise is acceptable, vibration can still affect comfort or sleep, particularly in residential developments.

Not every site needs vibration monitoring, but where there is a realistic source, authorities may expect it to be considered. Assessing vibration at the same time as noise is usually more efficient than returning later if it is raised as an issue.

Vibration is most likely to be relevant if the site is close to rail lines, heavy traffic routes, quarries, industrial operations, or large mechanical equipment. If buildings nearby can be felt shaking, or if the site is very close to these sources, vibration should at least be reviewed.

An acoustic consultant can advise whether vibration is likely to be significant and whether monitoring is needed. In many cases a short assessment confirms that vibration is not a concern, which provides reassurance to planners and avoids unnecessary conditions.

An acoustic consultant cannot enforce noise limits or make a neighbour reduce noise. Enforcement action is the responsibility of the local authority.

However, an acoustic consultant can measure noise objectively, assess it against recognised criteria, and provide independent technical evidence. This evidence may be used to support discussions with Environmental Health, landlords, or legal advisers. In some cases it can also support a private nuisance claim, where a neighbour seeks to resolve a noise issue through civil action rather than the local authority.

The consultant’s role is to provide impartial measurement and professional opinion, not to determine liability or outcome. Decisions on enforcement or legal action always sit outside the consultant’s control.