Acoustic consultancy

Noise and its impacts, either resulting from new development or as a potential constraint to new and sensitive development, is one of the more frequently encountered environmental issues. It affects both the construction and operational phases of development. Impacts can include short-term noise generation from construction activities, ongoing impact due to increased traffic flows or plant equipment connected with developments. The effects of noise and vibration are potentially disturbing if left unmitigated and should therefore be considered at an early stage in development proposals.

Legislation and regulations regarding new development and construction noise are widely used as benchmarks by local authorities.  Operators are required to demonstrate that noise pollution is within acceptable limits.  This is achieved in masterplanning through compliance with the requirements of current planning policy guidance and other relevant UK, European and WHO standards and in construction activities through prior consent or management of impacts and timing of noise-generating activities. 

Gifford services

Gifford provides a comprehensive suite of noise assessment services.

Desk-based Assessments

Our specialists can produce initial desk-based background studies to identify sensitive receptors and define the scope of further work.  In liaison with local authorities and other regulators we establish monitoring procedures and parameters, using a Technical Design Appraisal process to consult on, identify and scope any noise and vibration work required and ensuring this is of appropriate scale for the development.

Monitoring

Using current industry standard monitoring equipment held in-house, Gifford can assist in establishing monitoring programmes.  Our skill base includes:

• Designing monitoring programmes in consultation with regulators
• Identifying monitoring locations
• Establishing attended or unattended monitoring schemes to inform further analysis and assessment work 
• Vibration monitoring

Modelling, Predictions and Mitigation

Using the respected industry standard CADNA-A® noise prediction software, we are able to predict plant, construction plant, rail and road traffic noise. This enables changes in noise levels connected with proposed developments to be predicted, benchmarked against relevant standards and mitigated where appropriate.  Scenario tests can be accommodated, evaluating the effectiveness of various site layouts and mitigation measures (for example barrier configurations etc).  

Reporting

Gifford has the expertise needed to produce Technical Annexes for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), stand alone appraisals and design of mitigation measures.

Expert Witness

Our other services include providing expert witness and evidence presentation at public inquiries.

Gifford Acoustics Team

Gifford has undertaken noise assessment for a wide variety of projects, including urban redevelopments, major highway schemes, construction projects, new schools, residential developments, care homes and hospitals.

Led by Associate Raymond Browne, who has specialised in the field of acoustics for over 12 years, our staff are trained in all aspects of noise assessment and have wide experience within the environmental noise field. We also have close links with a number of specialist sub-contractors and are therefore able to bring together integrated teams tailored to the needs of individual projects.