Background
Anderson Acoustics was commissioned by Globaltime Ltd to provide acoustics consultancy services to support the permitted development applications for the conversion of the upper parts of 218-255 Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead from office and retail space to residential use. In total eight separate applications were required for 20 units.
What we did
In keeping with the requirements of the General Permitted Development Order 2015 (as amended) for various classed of permitted development, we focussed on the potential impact of noise of a commercial nature on the future occupants. Which was either a case of external building services plant or the operations of an existing gym.
Since, however, the assessment was conduct during a period of lockdown, neither the gym nor the key items of building services plant were working at the time. Access was achieved to the gym in any case, and where tests were conducted to determine the existing sound insulation performance of the separating walls and floors. These were compared to typical gym operational sound and vibration levels, and the required measures to protect the future occupants determined.
In terms of the building services plant, the details of these were noted when on site and the sound output determined from manufacturer literature, upon which an assessment could be undertaken in the normal way. a sound level meter was installed on site for a number of days to establish the background sound levels in the absence of the plant operating. Were habitable rooms to be located at the closest point to the majority of the plant, then the assessment indicated a chance of noise impact. Accordingly, the layout was amended to keep habitable rooms away, and where we were able to report, therefore, that no further mitigation should be required.
Assuming the adopting our advice in terms of providing sufficient sound insulation to protect again noise from the gym, therefore, our assessments concluded that prior approval could be given for the proposed scheme without the need for noise conditions.
What this means for Planners/EHOs/Developers
We understand the requirements for all types of planning applications, and are able to work innovatively within a difficult environment such as caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
