Background
Make-Ready commissioned us to conduct a noise impact assessment for their newly installed extraction system at Sabre House, a digital and screen-printing studio situated in a predominantly industrial area of North London. The purpose of this assessment was to evaluate the noise emissions from the extraction plant and ensure compliance with the noise-related planning condition set by Enfield Council.
The assessment was retrospective in nature. Typically, such assessments are conducted prior to installation to verify if the the system’s noise levels complied with the council’s requirements and to determine whether any mitigation measures are necessary.
The extraction system comprises eight fume extraction flues serving the printing studio, along with an additional flue for the office area – all terminating at roof level.
What we did
Objectives
- Assess the noise impact of the installed extraction system on the nearest residential properties.
- Ensure that the noise emissions comply with the planning condition requiring noise levels to be 5dB below the typical background noise level at the nearest residential façade.
Noise Survey
Simultaneous noise measurements were taken at the source (roof level) and the nearest residential receptor while the plant was operational and when it was turned off.
The purpose of the measurements was to assess noise levels at the source (roof level) and at a location representative of the nearest residential receptor. Measurements were taken near the flues while the plant was operational to capture direct emissions, and simultaneously at the residential location to assess potential impact. Additional measurements with the plant off enabled comparison to isolate the plant’s specific contribution to the overall noise environment.
Desktop Plant Noise Assessment
Desktop calculations were also performed using the manufacturer’s noise data and architectural drawings to predict noise levels at the nearest receptor under worst-case operating conditions.
Conclusion
The noise impact assessment concluded that the installed extraction system at Sabre House does not cause adverse noise impacts at the nearest residential properties. The noise emissions are comfortably below the stipulated noise limit, therefore discharging the planning condition set by Enfield Council.
Project Progress
Enfield Council confirmed the conditions were discharged as a result of our assessment with a decision granted in October 2023
