Background
Jenner (Contractors) Ltd commissioned Anderson Acoustics in March 2025 to conduct a noise and vibration impact assessment for a proposed residential development of 39 plots on the land off Ratling Road, Aylesham, Kent. The site is bordered by the Dover railway branch of the Chatham Main Line, making it essential to evaluate environmental noise and vibration to satisfy planning requirements.
Challenge
Planning Condition 9 required a comprehensive noise and vibration survey due to the site’s proximity to the railway. The assessment needed to:
- Ensure internal noise levels met BS8233:2014 standards for living rooms and bedrooms;
- Limit night time noise events exceeding 45 dB LAmax;
- Assess vibration levels in accordance with BS6472:2008, ensuring they remained below thresholds likely to cause adverse comment.
What We Did
- Baseline Survey: Conducted unattended environmental noise monitoring and attended vibration surveys at the site boundary, focusing on the worst-case locations near the railway;
- Data Analysis: Used advanced 3D noise modelling (CadnaA) to predict noise levels at each plot, and calculated internal noise levels with standard glazing and ventilation, both with windows open and closed;
- Compliance Assessment: Compared measured and predicted values against BS8233:2014 and WHO guidelines for noise, and BS6472:2008 for vibration;
- Reporting: Provided clear recommendations and evidence to support discharge of the planning condition, including detailed tables and visualizations of noise and vibration data.
Result
- All plots were predicted to meet internal noise targets, even with windows partially open, meaning standard glazing and ventilation products are suitable;
- Vibration levels from train movements were significantly below the threshold for ‘low probability of adverse comment’, indicating no perceptible vibration within dwellings;
- The assessment demonstrated full compliance with planning requirements, supporting the successful discharge of Condition 9 and enabling the development to proceed without costly mitigation measures.
Project Progress
Dover District Council approved details pursuant to Condition 9 on 14th November 2025.
