6 Matts Hill Road, Hartlip

Background 

INVVU Construction Consultants commissioned Anderson Acoustics to undertake environmental assessments – covering both air quality and noise impact – for a proposed single-family dwelling at 6 Matts Hill Road, Hartlip, Kent. The assessments were designed to support the planning application and ensure compliance with national and local environmental standards. 

What we did 

Air Quality Assessment 

• Purpose: To evaluate baseline air quality, assess the impact of the proposed development, and recommend mitigation measures
• Pollutants Considered: Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅)
• Approach: The site was screened against national and local air quality objectives, with reference to Medway Council’s policies and DEFRA background concentration maps 

Key Findings 

• Baseline Air Quality: The site is outside any Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). Background NO₂ and PM concentrations are well below national objectives
• Impact of Development: The predicted change in NO₂ and PM concentrations due to the development is less than 1% of the Air Quality Assessment Level, classed as negligible
• Suitability: The site is suitable for residential use, with no need for special mitigation to the building’s ventilation system
• Emissions & Mitigation: The development’s transport emissions are minimal, and the inclusion of an electric vehicle charging point exceeds local mitigation requirements
• Dust Risk: The site is low risk or negligible risk for dust soiling and human health effects. Mitigation measures (e.g., dust management plan, site inspections, wet sweeping, covered vehicles) are recommended to further reduce risks

Noise Impact Assessment 

• Purpose: To determine typical noise levels at the site, predict future exposure for residents, and recommend design strategies for noise mitigation
• Survey: Baseline noise measurements were taken in August 2024, considering both daytime and night-time conditions
• Guidance Referenced: British Standards BS8233:2014, BS4142:2014+A1:2019, and Building Regulations Approved Document O 

Key Findings 

• Site Noise Climate: Dominated by occasional car movements and steady noise from the M2 motorway, with intermittent bird song
• Internal Noise Levels: Calculations show that internal ambient noise levels in habitable rooms will meet BS8233 guidelines with windows open or closed
• External Amenity Areas: Noise levels in outdoor spaces are expected to meet the desirable limit of 50 dB LAeq, making them suitable for residential use
• Plant Noise: Limits for plant noise have been defined, ensuring protection of residential amenity. A full assessment will be required once plant details are finalized
• Overheating & Ventilation: The development can rely on openable windows for thermal comfort without exceeding noise criteria as defined in Approved Document O.

Conclusion 

• Design Compliance: Both air quality and noise assessments confirm that the proposed development meets or exceeds all relevant standards and guidelines
• Mitigation Measures: Implementation of recommended dust and noise mitigation strategies will ensure ongoing compliance and protection of residential amenity
• Sustainability: The inclusion of green infrastructure and electric vehicle charging supports broader environmental objectives

Project Progress 

Medway Council granted planning permission on 4th September 2025.