Background
Anderson Acoustics was commissioned to provide a Noise Impact Statement in support of a planning application to convert an agricultural storage barn at Butlers Farm, Langley, Maidstone (ME17 3JY), into a cricket school.
The proposed facility, run by Calypso Cricket Coaching, would house up to two indoor cricket nets and operate between 10am and 8pm, five days a week. The site is located near residential properties and other commercial premises, making noise impact a key consideration for planning approval.
Challenge
The main challenge was to assess whether the change of use from agricultural storage to a cricket school would generate unacceptable noise levels for nearby noise-sensitive receptors, including residential homes approximately 30 meters away and non-residential premises such as cricket bat workshops and a medical surgery.
The assessment needed to address concerns about increased activity, vehicle movements, and potential noise breakout from cricket training sessions.
What We Did
- Site Assessment: Conducted a detailed review of the existing site and its environs, including proximity to noise-sensitive receptors and the layout of the proposed cricket school;
- Operational Analysis: Evaluated the proposed hours of operation and expected occupancy (up to three people per session), as well as parking arrangements in the external yard;
- Noise Source Identification: Identified potential noise sources, including impacts from cricket balls on bats, floors, and walls, and assessed the effectiveness of indoor nets, canvas curtains, and astroturf in attenuating noise;
- Transport Review: Analysed the projected increase in vehicle movements, comparing the noise impact of cars versus the previous use by heavier agricultural vehicles;
- Site Management Controls: Recommended best-practice site management measures, such as keeping all noise-generating activities indoors, maintaining closed doors and windows during sessions, and using appropriate netting and floor coverings to minimize noise breakout.
Result
The assessment concluded that, with the proposed site management controls in place, the risk of adverse noise impact on nearby residential and non-residential receptors is low. The anticipated increase in vehicle movements would not result in higher noise levels compared to the previous agricultural use.
As a result, we advised that noise should not be a determining factor in the planning decision, and no additional physical or operational controls were necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms.
Project Progress
Maidstone Borough Council granted Prior Approval on the 24th October 2025.
