Background
The Baron Homes Corporation Ltd proposed the change of use of the first and third floors at 20 New Road, Brighton, from office accommodation (Class E) to three residential flats (Class C3) under permitted development rights.
The building sits within a busy commercial area, close to restaurants, bars and live entertainment venues, including the Brighton Dome. As part of the prior approval application, Anderson Acoustics was appointed to assess the existing noise environment and consider how future residents could be adequately protected from noise associated with surrounding commercial activity.
Challenge
The key challenge was to understand the range of noise sources affecting the site and to demonstrate that suitable internal noise levels could be achieved within the proposed flats.
Relevant noise sources included:
- Customer activity and low‑frequency noise from nearby restaurants, bars and music venues;
- Noise from the restaurant at ground floor level, directly beneath the proposed residential accommodation;
- External plant noise from air handling units located to the rear of the building;
- Noise from internal building services within the property
The assessment needed to demonstrate compliance with relevant national guidance, including BS 8233:2014 and the WHO Guidelines, as well as local planning requirements, with particular focus on evening and night‑time conditions.
What We Did
Environmental Noise Survey
We carried out a combination of attended and unattended noise monitoring to establish representative noise levels:
- Unattended noise measurements were undertaken externally and at a first‑floor window over a four‑day period;
- Attended measurements were carried out to assess plant noise at the rear of the building;
- The survey data was used to identify worst‑case conditions affecting the proposed flats
Assessment of Noise Sources
- Peak noise periods, including Friday and Saturday evenings, were identified and assessed;
- Measured internal and external noise levels were compared against appropriate internal noise criteria;
- Entertainment and low‑frequency noise was assessed against relevant guidance, including NANR45 where applicable
Façade and Fabric Performance
- The existing building façade was reviewed to understand its current acoustic performance;
- Upgraded glazing was recommended on the front elevation to achieve the required level of sound insulation;
- Minimum glazing performance specifications and ventilation requirements were set out to support compliance while maintaining suitable internal conditions
Separating Floor and Building Services
- The separating floor between the ground floor restaurant and the proposed flats was reviewed and found to fall short of recommended sound insulation standards;
- Mitigation options were set out, including a suspended ceiling with a mass barrier or a heavy floating floor system incorporating mineral wool insulation;
- Practical advice was provided on the treatment of retained building services, including wrapping pipework in mineral wool and encasing services in plasterboard where required
Outcome
The assessment demonstrated that, with appropriate mitigation in place, suitable internal noise levels can be achieved within the proposed flats, despite the site’s location within a busy commercial area.
Key outcomes included:
- Controlled noise levels: Upgraded glazing and improved floor construction provide effective protection from external and internal noise sources;
- Planning support: The report provided clear, planning‑ready evidence of compliance with national and local noise criteria;
- Appropriate living conditions: The recommended measures support a comfortable internal environment for future residents
This project demonstrates how early, structured acoustic input can help residential schemes progress successfully in challenging urban locations.
Project Progress
Brighton & Hove City Council granted prior approval for the development on 8 July 2024.
