ACCON UK Limited (ACCON) were commissioned to carry out a Noise Impact Assessment for a proposed residential development on Essex Street in Birmingham. The proposal was for a 28-storey residential tower with commercial use at ground floor. The site is bounded to the west by the A38 dual carriageway and two slip roads. A nightclub is situated opposite to the frontage of the development on Essex Street.
ACCON were initially instructed to carry out a noise assessment for submission with the planning application. Attended noise measurements were carried out during the daytime on a typical weekday to determine the daytime noise constraints due to road traffic noise. Noise measurements were also carried out on a Saturday night to establish the constraints due to nightclub breakout noise, noise from nightclub patrons outside and late night vehicle movements.
ACCON were also instructed to provide input and advice into the RIBA Stage 3 package of drawings and information for submission to contractors for tender. This involved carrying out detailed building façade calculations to identify the sound insulation requirements of the building façade in relation to both road traffic and nightclub noise. Additionally, internal sound insulation calculations were carried out and advice provided in respect of flanking sound transmission through the unitised façade panel construction and service risers.
The building façade sound insulation assessment carried out to inform the RIBA Stage 3 work was further utilised in liaison with the Environmental Health Department at Birmingham City Council who were concerned about the impact of nightclub noise on the proposed residential units. The results of that assessment were provided for approval and formed the basis of a planning condition setting out the target sound insulation requirements for the building façade construction.
The planning application received unanimous approval by the Council at a committee meeting.
Contact: Rebecca Edwards – 0118 971 0000
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