Background
As part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s ambitious “One Woolwich” regeneration programme, Lovell undertook the redevelopment of the Morris Walk North, Morris Walk South, and Maryon Estates.
Anderson Acoustics was appointed to provide comprehensive acoustic consultancy services from planning through to RIBA Stage 4 design, ensuring compliance with planning conditions and Building Regulations Approved Document E (ADE).
Acoustic Challenges
The sites presented a range of acoustic challenges due to their proximity to:
- Railway lines (notably affecting Morris Walk North and South)
- Major roads such as the A206
- Community noise sources including schools and parks
Key concerns included:
- Elevated daytime and night-time noise levels on façades and balconies
- Plant noise emissions from building services
- Internal sound insulation between dwellings and between residential and non-residential spaces
- Compliance with BS8233:2014 and WHO guidelines for internal and external noise
What we did
We conducted extensive baseline noise surveys across all three estates, including long-term unattended monitoring at multiple positions. These informed detailed 3D noise models using CadnaA software, which simulated worst-case scenarios for both day and night periods.
The acoustic strategy was developed in alignment with:
- BS8233:2014
- WHO Community Noise Guidelines
- CIBSE Guide A
- ProPG: Planning & Noise
- Building Regulations ADE
Key Solutions
External Noise Mitigation
- High-performance glazing and acoustic trickle ventilators were specified to meet internal noise targets.
- Communal amenity areas were recommended to be strategically located and acoustically screened using 1.2m solid parapets.
- Private balconies, although exposed to higher noise levels, were recommended to be supplemented with quieter communal spaces and nearby public parks (e.g. Maryon Park) to meet ProPG offset criteria.
Internal Sound Insulation
- Robust Details advised for separating walls and floors
- Enhanced partitions were specified between residential and commercial/plant areas
Plant Noise Control
- Acoustic louvres and rooftop enclosures to be designed to ensure plant noise emissions remained at least 10 dB below background levels at sensitive receptors
- Individual air source heat pumps (ASHPs) to be modelled to confirm compliance without additional mitigation
Outcomes
- All planning conditions related to noise (Conditions 16, 18, 52, 53, and 54) and which relate to the control of plant noise emissions from the proposed development (PC18) and to internal ambient noise levels within dwellings and in external amenity areas of the scheme (PC53 and PC54) were successfully discharged
- Internal ambient noise levels in habitable rooms were demonstrated to meet or exceed BS8233 “Good” standards.
- External amenity areas were designed to provide usable, quieter spaces despite urban noise constraints.
- The acoustic design supported the delivery of over 900 high-quality homes in a challenging acoustic environment.
Commissioning Testing
A programme of pre-completion sound insulation testing is currently being undertaken. All tested separating walls in the residential blocks have met or exceeded the enhanced sound insulation targets.
The commercial to residential floor separations have met the recommended target with further mitigation provided by future tenant fit-outs.
The results confirm compliance with ADE and demonstrate a robust acoustic performance across both residential and mixed-use areas of the development.
Conclusion
This project exemplifies how thoughtful acoustic design can enable vibrant, high-density urban living even in acoustically complex environments.
