Background
Quinn Estates embarked on a project to develop land between the railway line and Willesborough Road in Kennington, Kent. The proposal is for a mixed-use development that aims to enhance the urban living experience by integrating commercial spaces and residential apartments.
We were commissioned to support the planning application for Block C of the Commercial Area. The project involves meticulous planning and adherence to stringent noise assessment and environmental standards to ensure a high quality of life for future residents and commercial tenants.
Block C of the development consists of:
- Ground Floor: 86 m² of Planning Class A5 (Take-Away) commercial space and 298 m² of Planning Class A1 (Food store) commercial space
- First and Second Floors: 10 residential apartments, each featuring private two-bedroom units with modern amenities
What we did
Planning Noise Impact Assessment
To comply with Planning Condition 6 – Noise Impact Assessment for Future Residential – we conducted a comprehensive noise impact assessment to ensure the development meets the required acoustic standards. The assessment included:
- Baseline Noise Survey: to establish the existing noise climate at the proposed development site, which is dominated by road traffic from Willesborough Road
- Noise Modelling: utilized advanced noise-modelling software to predict the impact of road noise on the development and determine the necessary mitigation measures
- Acoustic Design Statement: detailed the PRO PG good acoustic design process, internal noise level guidelines, and external amenity area noise criteria
Key Findings and Recommendations
- Internal Noise Levels: The recommended glazing and ventilation systems will ensure that internal noise levels within the residential units meet the standards set by BS 8233:2014
- External Amenity Areas: While some balconies may experience marginal exceedances of the upper noise limit, the overall design of the development and the surrounding area, ensures that residents have access to quieter areas
- Overheating and Ventilation: The development incorporates measures aligned with Approved Document E regulations, to address potential overheating while maintaining acceptable noise levels, ensuring a comfortable living environment
Plant Noise Impact Assessment
To comply with Planning Condition 17, we also conducted a plant noise impact assessment for the commercial units. The assessment established noise emission limits for future building services plant to safeguard the amenities of neighbouring properties.
- Background Noise Levels: Representative background noise levels were measured to set operational noise emission limits for the plant
- Compliance Recommendations: Future plant selections must adhere to the established noise limits to ensure compliance with BS 4142:2014 and the planning condition
BREEAM HEA 05 Acoustic Design Report
The development also targets the BREEAM New Construction 2018 Shell and Core certification, with a focus on achieving the Hea 05 credit for indoor ambient noise levels.
The assessment included:
- Noise Break-In Assessment: evaluation of the sound reduction performance of the building envelope to ensure compliance with BREEAM criteria
- Natural Ventilation Feasibility: assessment of the feasibility of natural ventilation strategies, including trickle vents and openable windows, to maintain acceptable indoor noise levels
Our assessment concluded that the development is seen to be compliant with the internal ambient noise level requirement and as such the available HEA 05 credit could be awarded.
Project Progress
Ashford Borough Council approved details submitted pursuant to condition 17 (Plant & Machinery Noise) on 2nd January 2025.
