Background
Morgan Sindall Construction Ltd commissioned Anderson Acoustics to support the redevelopment of Burnside Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Chingford, London. The project involved the phased demolition of existing school buildings and the construction of a new, inclusive educational facility for 30 pupils aged 11–16 with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. The new site includes a multi-use games area (MUGA), enhanced landscaping, and improved car parking, all within a borough-wide Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).
Challenge
The redevelopment faced several key challenges:
- Sensitive Location: The site is surrounded by residential, educational, and healthcare facilities, all highly sensitive to dust, noise, and air quality impacts;
- Stringent Planning Conditions: The project needed to comply with local authority requirements for air quality, dust management, and acoustic performance, including the Mayor of London’s guidance and Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) standards;
- Complex User Needs: The school serves pupils with SEMH and other special needs, requiring an environment with low noise, minimal distractions, and robust acoustic control;
- Operational Continuity: Construction will proceed while the existing school remains operational, necessitating careful phasing and mitigation to protect students, staff, and neighbours.
What We Did
Comprehensive Dust and Air Quality Management
- Risk Assessment: Conducted a detailed dust risk assessment, classifying the site as ‘Medium Risk’ for dust soiling during demolition and ‘Low Risk’ for other phases;
- Mitigation Plan: Developed a Dust Management Plan (DMP) with measures such as stakeholder communication, regular site inspections, dust suppression (water sprays), covered stockpiles, and real-time PM10 monitoring at key site boundaries.
Acoustic Strategy and Design
- Acoustic Performance Standards: Set suitable targets for indoor ambient noise, sound insulation, and reverberation times, tailored to the needs of pupils with SEMH, autism, and other communication needs;
- Building Envelope & Internal Layout: Specified high-performance glazing, robust wall and floor constructions, and resilient details to control both airborne and impact sound;
- Room Acoustics: Classrooms, group rooms, and specialist spaces to be designed with suspended sound absorbent ceiling islands, and acoustic wall panels to achieve target reverberation times exceeding minimum standards where possible;
- MUGA & Plant Noise: Modelled and mitigated noise from the relocated MUGA and rooftop plant, ensuring compliance with Sport England and BS4142 guidelines. The MUGA will be positioned and screened to minimize impact on both the PRU and neighbouring Salisbury Manor Primary School.
Project Progress
London Borough of Waltham Forest granted planning permission on July 18th 2025. Construction started in February 2026.
For more information click through to the Rivington Street Studio website
Image credit Rivington Street Studio
