Background
Charterhouse Property Group Ltd commissioned Anderson Acoustics to conduct planning stage noise and air quality assessments for the proposed change of use of the UYS Building from general industrial (Use Class B2) to storage and distribution (Use Class B8). The site is located in the Unipart industrial estate, approximately 450m southwest of Horspath, to the southeast of Oxford.
What we did
Noise
Previously, the site operated 24 hours a day with various noisy industrial activities including welding, pressing, and use of compressed air. Noise conditions from a 1996 planning permission included limits on sound levels and requirements for acoustic fencing.
Methodology
Noise impact assessments were performed using methodologies from ‘A Guide to Measurement and Prediction of the Equivalent Continuous Sound Level Leq’ and ‘Calculation of Road Traffic Noise (CRTN)’. Traffic flow data for both existing and proposed uses were analyzed.
Key Findings
The assessments indicated a significant reduction in overall vehicle movements and associated noise levels, with an estimated decrease of 9.3 dB. The analysis concluded that noise levels at nearby dwellings would remain below background levels and within previously conditioned limits.
Conclusion
The noise assessments concluded that the proposed change of use would not result in any adverse noise or vibration effects. The reduction in traffic and industrial activity is expected to lower noise emissions significantly. Therefore, noise is not considered a barrier to planning approval for the proposed development.
Air Quality
The primary objective of the air quality assessment was to determine if the proposed change of use would adversely affect air quality at human health or ecological receptors from vehicular emissions. The assessment focused on transport emissions from the proposed development, as there are no building emissions due to the site proposal being open storage on a former car park.
Methodology
The assessment followed a structured approach:
- Air Quality Policy and Criteria: Relevant policies and criteria were reviewed, including European and National Air Quality Standards, the Environment Act, and local planning policies.
- Site Description: The existing site and proposed development were described, highlighting the demolition of existing buildings and the change of use to open storage and distribution.
- Air Quality Assessment: The potential effects on air quality were evaluated, considering the reduction in emissions from the proposed development as the number of parking spaces was greatly reduced to provide areas for open storage.
- Construction Dust Risk Assessment: The risk of dust emissions during demolition and construction phases was assessed, and appropriate mitigation measures were proposed
Key Findings
- Air Quality Impact: The proposed development is expected to reduce emissions, resulting in a beneficial or negligible effect on air quality.
- Construction Dust Risk: The risk of dust emissions during demolition and construction was assessed as low, with appropriate mitigation measures recommended
- Compliance with Policies: The proposed development complies with relevant air quality policies and is considered suitable for the site
Conclusion
The air quality assessment concluded that the proposed change of use from B2 to B8 would have a beneficial impact on air quality in the area. The reduction in emissions and the implementation of mitigation measures ensure that the development is compliant with air quality policies and suitable for the site.
Project Progress
Oxford City Council granted planning permission on 1st November 2022. A revised application was submitted in 2024 to include the remainder of the site to have a change of use, also to B8 storage, to provide 22,375sqm of open storage. The revised noise and air quality assessments showed there was still a reduction in noise and transport emissions. The planning consent was granted in July 2024.
