Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Over the years, we have performed numerous noise assessments for EIAs.
Large-scale developments require an EIA as a supporting document within the planning application.
The National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) states:
‘The aim of Environmental Impact Assessment is to protect the environment by ensuring that a local planning authority when deciding whether to grant planning permission for a project, which is likely to have significant effects on the environment, does so in the full knowledge of the likely significant effects, and takes this into account in the decision-making process.’
Noise is considered to be one of the most significant environmental effects of construction projects.
So when a development is expected to generate noise, be affected by noise or change the noise climate, a noise chapter is required as part of your EIA.
The noise experts at Acoustic Consultants Ltd are available to carry out noise testing and produce the necessary chapter on your behalf.
This ensures your project satisfies the requirements of planning permission and can continue without unnecessary delays.
Why Choose Acoustic Consultants?
Over 35 Years’ Experience
Since launching Acoustic Consultants in 1987, we’ve performed a huge number of EIAs throughout the UK and Wales.
These range from projects for large industrial and commercial developments to thousands of mixed-use dwellings that blend residential spaces with other facilities.
Our consultants each have a proven track record in acoustics, and are supported by senior staff with 20+ years’ experience.
With our combination of historic success and talented staff, you can have confidence in a thorough, accurate assessment that helps push you from planning to construction.
Comprehensive environmental noise assessments
The noise chapter we produce for your EIA will include:
- The measurements of the baseline noise climate over a 24-hour period
- Commentary on the likely sources of noise associated with the schemes
- An outline of assessments on the impact of these various noise sources
- Mitigation advice to reduce impact from these sources as far as feasible
Our assessment will consider the impact on both the existing sensitive receivers in the area and on any proposed noise-sensitive elements of the development.
This ensures you have comprehensive information with which you can adjust your scheme to stay within reasonable limits for planning permission.
What Projects Require an Environmental Impact Assessment?
An EIA is a legal necessity for any project that’s likely to have a significant effect on the environment.
Projects that require an EIA fall into two categories: Schedule 1 and Schedule 2.
Schedule 1
An EIA is mandatory for all Schedule 1 projects due to their significant environmental impact.
These include:
- Major chemical installations and refineries
- Waste disposal installations for hazardous waste
- Large power stations
- Quarries and open-cast mining
- Large infrastructure projects (motorways, airports with long runways, railways, etc.)
- Dams and reservoirs
- Intensive livestock installations such as large-scale pig or poultry farms
Schedule 2
An EIA is only required if the project is likely to have significant effects on the environment. This depends on factors like size and scale, location, and type and characteristics of environmental impact.
These include:
- Urban development projects over a certain size
- Industrial estate development
- Infrastructure projects (roads, railways, water treatment facilities, etc.)
- Large tourism or leisure developments
- Wind farms
- Intensive agriculture below Schedule 1 thresholds
- Forestry projects
- Water management schemes (canalisation, flood prevention, etc.)
Our specialists can help you establish whether or not your project is likely to require an EIA.
If it does, we can perform the noise assessment and produce the relevant chapter to satisfy your local planning authority.
Get in touch
An accurate and detailed EIA noise chapter is necessary for planning permission. Join thousands of satisfied project managers by contacting our noise specialists to discuss your project and get a free no-obligation quote.