Background
Anderson Acoustics was commissioned by Lichfields (on behalf of Teesside International Airport) in 2023 to provide planning noise and air quality assessments and a noise management plan to support a planning application for what is known as the Hangar 4 project, which is to comprise the following:
- Two narrow-body aircraft hangars for MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) purposes
- Supporting car parking and vehicular access
- Supporting airfield apron and aircraft manoeuvring areas
The hangar bays will typically be used for base maintenance and MRO activities (which will generally occur behind closed doors, in an enclosed environment), but may occasionally (e.g., once per week) include auxiliary aircraft power units (APUs) being operated for up to 30 minutes, with hangar bay doors open. External plant would be located to the rear of the hangars.
What we did
Planning Noise Assessment
We undertook a baseline noise survey at the site to characterise existing ambient noise levels at the nearest noise-sensitive receptors. These measurements were then used to compare potential noise impacts from likely operations in the new hangars with the current noise conditions in the area, as well as to establish plant noise limits at the nearest residential receptors such that the operation of the proposed scheme does not significantly affect the living conditions of surrounding residents.
Image source – The Northern Echo
Planning Air Quality Assessment
We were also commissioned to provide an air quality and dust risk assessment to inform the design and determination of the planning application.
We conducted an air quality assessment and dust risk assessment for the operational effects and also a dust risk assessment for the construction phases. The purpose of the air quality assessment was to indicate if the proposed development would adversely affect air quality at human, health or ecological receptors.
Assessment of the potential effects on existing sensitive receptors was achieved through assessment of the transport emissions from the proposed development. There were no building emissions to consider as combustion plant was not proposed to be used for the buildings.
Image source – Teesside International Airport
Assessment of the scope of aviation emissions was beyond the scope of our assessment but the closest residential receptors are over 200 metres away from the operational areas of the development. Assessment of aviation fuel odour was also beyond the scope of this assessment but the fuelling locations remained unchanged.
We evaluated the construction dust and emissions using the Institute of Air Quality Management’s Guidance on the assessment of dust from demolition and construction, and the site was considered Low Risk for human health effects, dust soiling effects and ecological effects. As a result, we proposed the implementation of mitigation measures for a Low Risk site.
Our operational air quality assessment indicated that the road traffic flows associated with the proposed development did not meet the criteria within the “Land-use Planning & Development Control: Planning for Air Quality” guidance for a detailed air quality assessment. As such, the potential air quality effect due to road traffic on receptors on these roads was considered “not significant”.
Mitigation of air pollutant emissions was proposed through:
- 10% of parking bays to be electric vehicle charging points;
- Use of hydrogen-fuelled service vehicles from the airport hydrogen fuelling station;
- Cycle parking;
- Green infrastructure; and
- No combustion plant for space or water heating.
In summary, the proposed development was considered suitable for the site and compliant with air quality policy.
Project Progress
Planning was approved in October 2023 and construction has now started.
