Background
Optimo Care Group Ltd acquired 11 Chorley New Road, Bolton, with the intention of converting the property from offices to a residential care facility. As part of the planning process (application reference 18116/24), the local authority required a detailed noise impact assessment to ensure the future residents’ comfort and compliance with planning conditions.
Challenge
The site is located on a busy road, Chorley New Road being a busy arterial route into Bolton, with the front façade just 10 meters from traffic. The noise climate is dominated by road traffic, especially vehicles accelerating away from nearby traffic lights. The main challenge was to assess and mitigate the impact of external noise on the proposed residential care facility, ensuring compliance with BS 8233:2014 and local planning requirements.
What We Did
- Baseline Noise Survey: We conducted attended noise measurements at the site, capturing daytime noise levels and assessing contributions from nearby plant equipment;
- Guidance Review: The assessment referenced BS 8233:2014 and WHO guidelines for internal noise levels, setting clear targets for living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms (e.g., 35 dB LAeq for living rooms, 30 dB LAeq for bedrooms at night);
- Noise Modelling: A 3D noise model was built to estimate exposure at different parts of the property, including rear bedrooms and dining areas;
- Mitigation Recommendations:
- Specified minimum sound insulation requirements for glazing and external walls
- Recommended mechanical ventilation with heat recovery for habitable rooms facing the road, as natural ventilation would not suffice due to high external noise levels
- Provided detailed calculations and specifications to ensure compliance with planning conditions and internal noise targets
Result
- The assessment demonstrated that, with the recommended glazing and mechanical ventilation systems, internal noise levels in all habitable rooms would meet the standards set by BS 8233:2014 and WHO guidelines;
- The planning condition (Condition 3) for noise could be discharged, allowing the residential care conversion to proceed;
- The outcome safeguards the amenity of future occupants, ensuring a comfortable and compliant living environment despite the challenging urban location
Project Progress
Bolton Council approved the discharge of condition 3 (Noise Assessment) on 2nd April 2025.
