Swan House, Kingston upon Thames

Background 

GM London appointed Anderson Acoustics to conduct a noise impact assessment for a proposed six-storey mixed-use development at 30 South Lane and 45-51 High Street, Kingston Upon Thames. The development includes 34 residential units (Class C3) and 758 sqm of commercial space (Class E) at ground floor level. 

What we did 

The primary  objectives  of the noise impact assessment were to: 

• Evaluate the existing acoustic environment and background sound levels at the development site and nearby noise-sensitive  receptors; 
• Analyse  the sound insulation performance of the proposed façade to meet relevant internal ambient noise levels; 
• Predict noise emission levels from the proposed fixed plant installation at sensitive receptors and  provide  mitigation advice where  required  to  comply with  noise emission limits. 

Methodology 

• Assessment Criteria:  The assessment followed  the  BS 8233:2014 guidelines for sound insulation and noise reduction in buildings, and BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound, in line with  local authority  requirements; 
• Noise Survey:  A detailed environmental noise survey was conducted over a seven-day period at two measurement locations. The survey measured noise levels during both day and night to capture the prevailing noise  conditions; 
• Façade Sound Reduction Performance: Noise break-in calculations were performed to identify which façades could rely on natural ventilation and where mechanical ventilation would be needed; 
• Plant Noise Assessment:  The assessment included an analysis of noise emissions from proposed plant installations, such as air source heat pumps and condensers. A 3D acoustic model was used to predict noise levels at nearby noise-sensitive receptors. The  results  indicated  that plant noise levels would not exceed typical background sound levels, suggesting  a low impact. To achieve this,  acoustic louvres were  proposed to be installed,  facing South Lane. 

Results 

• Building Envelope:  The assessment concluded that natural ventilation could be used for  façades  not overlooking Kingston High Street, while mechanical ventilation would be  required  for those facing the High  Street; 
• Plant Noise:  The noise levels from the proposed plant installations were predicted to be below the existing background noise levels,  indicating  no significant impact. 

Conclusion 

The noise impact assessment provided GM London with a comprehensive understanding of the acoustic environment at the development site. The assessment ensured that the proposed development would meet relevant noise criteria  and  provided mitigation advice to  minimise  noise impact on nearby receptors.