Background
Barhale’s works to replace and connect a 630 mm PE rising main through Regents Park required extensive open-cut and trenchless excavation along the Outer Circle, with a temporary compound based in the London Zoo car park.
The setting combined residential streets, high visitor numbers, and designated heritage parkland. To proceed lawfully and minimise disruption, the project needed a robust Section 61 (Control of Pollution Act 1974) application and an evidence-based noise monitoring programme demonstrating compliance at nearby dwellings.
Although the works adjoined London Zoo, no acoustic impact was detected on animal enclosures – a reassuring outcome, but not the principal focus of the assessment.
What We Did
Section 61 Application
We prepared the full Section 61 Prior Consent submission to Camden Council, detailing:
- Construction activities, phasing and compound layout;
- Predicted noise and vibration levels using BS 5228-1 and -2;
- A case for extended working hours (07:30-18:30 Mon-Fri, 08:00-17:30 Sat) to shorten programme duration;
- Best Practicable Means (BPM) commitments – acoustic screening, quieter plant selection, restricted idling, and routing of deliveries.
The application provided a clear, transparent framework for consent and compliance. The application was granted with extended hours approved.
Unattended Noise Monitoring
To verify adherence to consented limits, we implemented unattended continuous noise monitoring targeted at human receptors – specifically, residential façades bordering Outer Circle and nearby park lodges.
Solar-powered web hosted noise monitor were installed at the northern and southern pit compound boundaries configured with alert thresholds set to the s.61 consent levels and dose triggers set so exceedances of the consented levels could be avoided.
This allowed the project team to respond rapidly to any exceedances, maintain Camden’s confidence, and document full compliance with the s.61 consent noise limits.
Ongoing Assurance and Reporting
- Regular data reviews and site visits ensured equipment integrity and high-quality datasets;
- Monitoring confirmed that daytime LAeq values consistently remained within predicted margins and well below the threshold for significant disturbance at dwellings;
- Quarterly summary reports were issued to Barhale and Camden officers, evidencing BPM implementation and continual environmental control.
Outcome
Zero complaints were received from residents throughout the works period. All measured levels were within predicted and consented limits. No acoustic effects were observed on the animals at the adjacent London Zoo. The Project was delivered to programme and in full regulatory compliance.
By aligning robust Section 61 consenting with real-time monitoring, we delivered assurance to both regulators and residents – proving that essential infrastructure can be built quietly, even in London’s most sensitive parkland.
Testimonial
‘Proactive engagement and development and excellent communication throughout the Project’. John Parker, Senior Site Agent, Barhale Ltd
Project Progress
Works are due to be completed November 2025.
