SANDERS LODGE, RUSHDEN, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, NN10 6BQ

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SANDERS LODGE, RUSHDEN, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, NN10 6BQ

BS4142 Assessment

Monoworld Limited

Revision

Description

Issued by

Issue date

First issue

Patrick Shuttleworth

15/10/2014

Noise Modelling Amendments

Patrick Shuttleworth

17/10/2014

Minor Amendments

Patrick Shuttleworth

17/10/2014

MACH Testing Ltd

Trelawney House,
Surrey Street,
Bristol, BS2 8PS

t: 0843 309 4504

e: info@machtesting. co.uk
w: www.machtesting. co.uk

Consultants

Finance

Andrew Rickard
Chris Jones
Kyran Ebanks
Jeremie Dufaud
Josh Childs
Max Reynolds
Miguel Blanco
Phil Jordan
Patrick Shuttleworth
Stefan Hannan
Ze Nunes
Tracy Toal

andrew@machacoustics.com
chris@machacoustics.com
kyran@machacoustics.com
jeremie@machacoustics.com
josh@machacoustics.com
max@machacoustics.com
miguel@machacoustics.com
phil@machacoustics.com
patrick@machacoustics.com
stefan@machacoustics.com
ze@machacoustics.com
tracy@machacoustics.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 1

2.0

SITE DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................... 1

3.0

NOISE SURVEY...................................................................................................................................... 2

4.0

3.1

Measurement Equipment ............................................................................................................... 3

3.2

Weather Conditions ....................................................................................................................... 3

NOISE SURVEY RESULTS .................................................................................................................... 4

4.1

Fixed Measurement Results Position F1 .................................................................................... 4

4.2

Fixed Measurement Industrial Receiver B ..................................................................................... 5

4.3

Selection of Assessment Noise Levels .......................................................................................... 5

4.4

Spot Measurement Results ........................................................................................................... 6

5.0

BS 4142 CRITERIA ................................................................................................................................. 6

6.0

NOISE MAPPING .................................................................................................................................... 7

7.0

BS 4142 ASSESSMENT ......................................................................................................................... 8

8.0

CONCLUSION......................................................................................................................................... 8

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1.0

INTRODUCTION

MACH Acoustics have been appointed by Monoworld Limited to undertake an environmental noise survey at
Sanders Lodge, Rushden, Northamptonshire. A new building is proposed on the existing site, which will
incorporate equipment for processing recycling. It has been stated that the proposed machinery may operate
over a 24 hour period.
The purpose of the assessment is to determine the existing ambient background noise level representative
of the worst affected receivers to the proposed development. Based on this level, the likelihood of complaints
as a result of the proposed development can be assessed. To undertake the assessment, an environmental
th
th
noise survey was carried out on site between the 9 and 10 of October 2014. Computer based noise
mapping has then been used to provide predictions for noise propagation from the proposed noise source.
In order to establish the likelihood of complaints, the assessment has been carried out in line with BS 4142:
1997 Method for Rating Industrial Noise Affecting Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas.
2.0

SITE DESCRIPTION

The site at Monoworld is situated in relatively close proximity to sensitive receivers, with residential buildings
to the east of the proposed site, and other industrial uses on all sides. The Monoworld site in relation to its
surroundings is shown in the map and aerial photograph in Figure 2.1 below.

Figure 2.1: Aerial photograph and location map of site

In order to ensure that a noise disturbance is avoided at nearby sensitive receivers, the proposed operation
must be assessed against the existing noise climate. Existing noise levels on site are moderate, and are
largely influenced by local road traffic, and fast moving vehicles on the A45. Noise within the industrial area
is also a primary contributor to noise levels at nearby residential receivers.
The assessment contained in this report has been based on establishing the likelihood of a noise
disturbance at two key locations. The worst affected residential receivers to the proposed development have
been identified as those on and around Palm Road. Sensitive receivers have also been identified within the
industrial area. For purposes of assessment, these receivers have been identified as the units to the North
West of the proposed new building.

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3.0

NOISE SURVEY

In order to establish existing background noise levels on site, continuous 5-minute samples of the acoustic
th
th
parameters LAeq, T, LA90, T, and LAmax,T were measured from the 9 to the 10 October 2014 at a fixed
microphone position (designated F1) on site. This measurement position has been implemented in order to
establish noise levels representative of residential dwellings on and around Palm Road. A second fixed
th
microphone (designated F2) was implemented on the 9 October 2014, in order to establish noise levels at
the worst affected receivers within the industrial area.
As the proposed new machinery may operate during the day and night, fixed position F1 has been
implemented over a 24 hour period. As receivers within the industrial area will only be affected during
working hours, an attended day time survey has been conducted at fixed position F2.
In line with the provisions of BS4142, measurement of the lowest background noise level at a particular
location leads to the most robust assessment. This is due to the fact that the proposed noise source is
compared to a lower benchmark. In order to provide this, data from position F1 has been used to extrapolate
the lowest LA90 (dB) for both the day and night periods. Measurement position F2 has been implemented in
the middle of the day, in order to avoid measurement of busy times at Monoworld and peak traffic.

F2

F1

Figure 3.1: Measurement location map

The long term meter was set to measure consecutive A weighted 5 minute time samples. This scenario was
implemented so that any inconsistencies in the data could be easily spotted and explained. The results of the
environmental noise survey are provided within Section 4.0 of this report.

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3.1

Measurement Equipment

The measurement equipment illustrated in Table 3.1 was used during the survey, all equipment complies
with BS EN 60942:2003 i.e. a class 1 device.
Serial
Number

Last
Calibrated

Calibration
Due

Norsonic Precision Sound Analyser Type 118

30562

Aug-13

Aug-15

Norsonic Type 1206 Pre-amplifier

30249

Aug-13

Aug-15

Norsonic Type 1225 Microphone

57530

Aug-13

Aug-15

Norsonic Sound Calibrator Type 1251

32090

Aug-13

Aug-15

Name

Table 3.1: Measurement Equipment

3.2

Weather Conditions

The following climate conditions were recorded for the site:

Wind:
Humidity:
Temperature:

Less than 5 m/s.

The weather was clear.
o
13-15 C.

The above weather conditions are suitable for the measurement of environmental noise in accordance with
BS7445 Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise.

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4.0

NOISE SURVEY RESULTS

4.1

Fixed Measurement Results Position F1

The following graph and table show measured noise levels at the fixed measurement location F1. All
measurements are shown in dB(A). The complete set of measurement data is available on request. The
graph in Figure 4.1 below provides the LAmax, LAeq and LA90 levels measured over the operational period of
the site.
100
90

Sound Pressure Level (dB)

80
70
60
50

LAeq

40

LAmax

30

LA90

20
10
0

Time
Figure 4.1: Graph of on-site environmental noise measurements - Location F1
Measurement

Maximum

Minimum

Average

LAeq

68

45

59

LA90

62

42

51

LAmax

86

51

76

DAY (0700 -2300)

Measurement

Maximum

Minimum

Average

LAeq

66

38

56

LA90

59

35

47

LAmax

86

47

74

NIGHT (2300 - 0700)

Table 4.1: Summary of measured noise levels - Location F1

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4.2

Fixed Measurement Industrial Receiver B

The following graph and table show measured noise levels at the fixed measurement location F2. All
measurements are shown in dB(A). The complete set of measurement data is available on request. The
graph in Figure 4.2 below provides the LAmax, LAeq and LA90 levels measured over the operational period of
the site.
90
80

Sound Pressure Level (dB)

70
60
50
LAeq

40

LAmax
30

LA90

20
10
0

Time
Figure 4.2: Graph of on-site environmental noise measurements - Location F2

Measurement

Maximum

Minimum

Average

LAeq

64

56

60

LA90

56

52

54

LAmax

83

72

78

Table 4.2 Summary of measured noise levels - Location F2

4.3

Selection of Assessment Noise Levels

For purposes of assessment, MACH Acoustics have selected the minimum measured LA90 during the
operational hours of the proposed noise source. For fixed measurement position F1, these levels are
indicated in Table 4.1. For fixed measurement position F2, the minimum measured LA90 is indicated in
Table 4.2.

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4.4

Spot Measurement Results

Measurements have been obtained in order to quantify noise from the proposed equipment. The results of
spot measurements are presented in Table 4.2 below. All data correlates to 1 minute measurement periods.
Noise Source

LAeq

Lfmax

Internal Conveyor (1 metre)

84 dB

89 dB

Internal Conveyor (10 metres)

72 dB

75 dB

External Conveyor Operational (5 metres from facade opening)

66 dB

76 dB

Forklift in operation

74 dB

93 dB

Table 4.3: Spot measurement results

5.0

BS 4142 CRITERIA

BS 4142 describes a method of determining the level of noise of an industrial nature, together with the
procedures for assessing whether the noise in question is likely to give rise to complaints from persons living
in the vicinity. As such, an assessment to BS 4142 is typically called for within planning conditions.
The likelihood of complaints in response to a noise depends on various factors. BS 4142 assesses the
likelihood of complaints by considering the margin by which the noise in question exceeds the background
noise level. This standard also allows for an appropriate correction for the acoustic features present in the
noise.
BS 4142 states that:

A difference of around +10 dB or more indicates that complaints are likely.

A difference of around + 5 dB is of marginal significance.
If the rating level is more than 10 dB below the measured background noise level, then this is a
positive indication that complaints are unlikely.

A 5 dB correction should be added if one or more of the following features (see the list below), are present
within the noise sources in question.

The noise contains a distinguishable, discreet, continuous note (whine, hiss, screech, hum);
The noise contains distinct impulses (bangs, clicks, clatters, or thumps);
The noise is irregular enough to attract attention.

As the proposed noise source may contain discrete and impulsive sounds, a +5dB acoustic feature
correction has been included in the assessment calculations. MACH Acoustics have calculated the
propagation of noise from the proposed development using CadnaA noise prediction software. The noise
modelling assessment is covered in more detail in Section 6.0 below.

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6.0

NOISE MAPPING

In order to accurately assess propagation of noise from the proposed development in to the surrounding
area, MACH Acoustics noise survey data has been used to calibrate a detailed noise model. The model has
been created using CadnaA noise prediction software. CadnaA (Computer Aided Noise Abatement) is the
leading software for calculation, presentation, assessment and prediction of environmental noise. The
software allows for detailed and accurate modelling of the propagation of sound over large areas. The
measurement data presented in Table 4.3 been used to calibrate the noise model. Two forklifts have been
included in the calculation. The site topography has not been included in the noise model, as it is complex to
approximate. As a result of this, noise levels may be lower than those calculated, due to screening. In line
with the provisions of BS4142, receivers have been placed within the model at locations representative of
the nearest noise sensitive windows.

Figure 6.1: CadnaA noise mapping

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7.0

BS 4142 ASSESSMENT

The noise contribution of the proposed development is calculated to be 34 dB LAeq at the worst affected
residential receiver. At the worst affected receivers within the industrial area, the noise contribution of the
proposed development is calculated to be 50 dB LAeq. In accordance with BS4142 a 5 dB acoustic feature
correction has been included within these calculations. MACH Acoustics assessment is summarised in Table
5.1 below.
Measured
Background
(LA90)

Noise
Contribution
(LAeq)

Acoustic
Feature
Correction

Rating
Level
(LAeq)

Assessment
Outcome

Day

42 dB

29 dB

+ 5 dB

34 dB

-8

Night

35 dB

45 dB

+ 5 dB

34 dB

-1

Day

52 dB

45 dB

+ 5 dB

50 dB

-2

Sensitive
Receiver

Time
Period

Residential
Receivers

Industrial
Receivers

Table 5.1: Proposed development Worst case assessment summary

From Table 5.1 above, it can be seen that for nearby residential receivers, the noise contribution of the
proposed development will be 8 dB below background noise levels during the day, and 1 dB below
background noise levels at night. For the worst affected receivers within the industrial area, the noise
contribution of the proposed development will be 2 dB below background noise levels.
Based on the outcome of the assessment, MACH Acoustics would warrant that the proposed development is
compliant in line with the provisions of BS4142. It should be noted that noise levels at the residential
properties on and around Palm Road are likely to be significantly lower than those calculated due to
screening via the site topography. The fact that a 5 dB acoustic feature correction has been included in
calculation also means that the assessment outcome is an absolute worst case.
8.0

CONCLUSION

MACH Acoustics have been appointed by Monoworld Ltd to undertake an assessment for the proposed
development at Sanders Lodge, Rushden, Northhamptonshire. A new building is proposed on the existing
site, which will incorporate equipment for processing recycling.
In order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the nearest sensitive receivers, MACH
Acoustics have conducted an assessment using CadnaA Noise Prediction Software, based on measured
data obtained on site.
The output of MACH Acoustics noise model has been used to conduct an assessment in line with BS4142.
The assessment has indicated that the proposed development is compliant for a worst case, and therefore it
is seen that permission should not be withheld on the grounds of noise.

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