Acoustic requirements are likely to be imposed on a planning application by the Local Authority when the planning application proposal includes a noise sensitive use and there is a nearby existing noise generating item or land use, and/or includes a noise generating item or land use and there is a nearby existing noise sensitive use.

The term ”nearby” is dependent on the noise source and site specific context. This can very easily cover a noise source from an adjoining property, e.g. a kitchen extract system, as well as noise sources hundreds of metres away, such as from a motorway or wind farm.

Noise sensitive includes properties of a residential nature such as housing, hotels, care homes, hospitals, and, to some extent, houses of multiple occupation (HMO’s).

Noise generating includes:
• “Major” transportation infrastructure such as A-roads, motorways, railways (above or underground) and airports.
• “Minor” transportation infrastructure could be relevant, for example a particularly busy junction or National speed limit B-road in front of a noise sensitive development.
• Mechanical services equipment which typically includes kitchen extract systems, air conditioning units, commercial heat pumps, and, to some extent, domestic heat pumps.
• Entertainment establishments including pubs, clubs and venues.
• Construction largely depends on the type and extent of construction activity.

In the planning system, only acoustic issues which typically arise between different land boundaries or uses are controlled and/or addressed.

However, in some cases, planning conditions may be imposed in order to create a higher standard than what may be set out in other legislative domains or guidance. For example, achieving a better sound insulation performance between flats or a commercial space adjacent to a flat than set out by the building regulations is relatively common.

The typical hierarchy/chronology of when acoustic issues are likely to become an important consideration for the Local Authority, and the Applicant, is as follows:
• The “Validation Checklist” published by the Local Authority. For example, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council’s Validation checklist (2024) states the requirements for reports and supporting documentation, which includes Noise Impact Assessments.
• During the pre-application consultation stage with the Local Authority, you may be made aware that an acoustic requirement will be imposed.
• Objections from neighbours which have been submitted on the application where noise is raised as an issue.
• A Planning Condition which accounts for acoustic issues is stated on the Decision Notice of the Planning Application. 

Normally, an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) or Specialist Technical Officer (STO) within the Local Authority, who is a member of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), is responsible for reviewing and deciding the information you submit to address noise.

KataSoniKa’s Acoustical Engineering Consultancy help you achieve the requirements set out by the regulatory domains of the planning system, building regulations, and environmental / pollution (noise including vibration) legislation.

Environmental Health Officers (EHO’s) are generally concerned with setting appropriate requirements in line with Local and National Policy and making judgements on whether those requirements have been achieved. Their scope covers all environmental health aspects, including noise.

However, it is important to remember that a considerable amount of guidance and policy on acoustics is developed with cooperation between Acousticians and Environmental Health Practitioners. This guidance is published with approval from the two professional bodies: the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) and in the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).