Background
Anderson Acoustics was commissioned by Gebler Tooth Architects (on behalf of Farnborough Airport) in August 2021 to provide a planning noise assessment to support the planning application for the construction of a new hangar (known as Hangar 3) for aircraft parking and maintenance; with associated roadways, apron and taxiway; as well as an engine run up pen.
The proposed hangar would comprise a total 4 aircraft bays, associated support/day-to-day facilities, storage, operation and workshop facilities, offices and ancillary areas (e.g. plant and IT rooms, welfare facilities).
What we did
- Planning Noise Assessment
We undertook a baseline noise survey at the site to characterise existing ambient noise levels likely to impact on the proposed hangar, as well as to determine typical ambient and background sound levels representative of the nearest noise-sensitive receptors to the scheme. These measurements were then used to establish operational noise limits at the nearest residential receptors and determine any mitigation measures required for the scheme.
Our assessment showed that noise levels due to internal maintenance operations within Hangar 3 would likely be well below the typical daytime and night-time background noise levels at the nearest noise sensitive receptors at one location (whether hangar doors are kept open or closed). We concluded that internal activities within Hangar 3 would have no impact on the living conditions of the nearest noise-sensitive receptors. The same would apply to the nearest office receptors at a second location.
When assessing the impact of the aircraft engine run ups, our assessment indicated that operational noise levels from the engine run pen would likely be the same as, or below, the typical daytime background sound level measured at the nearest noise-sensitive receptors. When strictly assessed in accordance with BS4142, this result would be an indication of low impact noise.
Image source – Gebler Tooth Architects
We also assessed the predicted operational noise levels from the engine run ups in accordance with the IEMA guidelines. The result indicated that ambient noise levels at one location would not change when the engine run pen is being used by aircraft. As such, this confirmed that the operational noise impacts of the engine run up facility, subject to the installation of an acoustic barrier would be negligible and that further operational or noise control measures would not be required. This assumed the use of the engine run up will be strictly limited to daytime hours (0700-2200), as already agreed with Farnborough Airport and in line with the Council’s Local Plan policy.
- Acoustic Design
We were also commissioned to assess the acoustic design of this new hangar building with a view to achieving the relevant acoustic-related BREEAM New Construction 2018 credits targeted by the design team (a rating of “Very Good” was sought). Our assessment was undertaken in order to provide evidence of compliance, at design stage, of the development proposals with regard to BREEAM’s acoustic requirements: Hea 05 (3 credits targeted) and Pol 05 (1 credit targeted).
Image source – Gebler Tooth Architects
We undertook a BREEAM 2018 Hea 05 assessment with three credits being sought (sound insulation, indoor ambient noise levels, room acoustics) within the Industrial, Retail, Prisons and Other building types category. Acoustic performance standards were established in line with BREEAM guidance for the following:
› external environmental noise ingress
› limits for internal building services noise levels
› sound insulation for floors, walls and doors
› reverberation time
We reviewed the proposed architectural design with regard to acoustic performance. The design, as it stood, was expected to achieve compliance with relevant British Standards, British Council for Offices guidelines and BREEAM Hea 05 design criteria.
Project Progress
Planning approval was given and the hangar is now open for business. Read more on the Gebler Tooth Architect’s website here
