Getting planning permission for a project is one of the biggest challenges. It can lead to huge problems and additional costs, sometimes even killing off projects entirely. Several common factors can lead to refusal, including noise and the impact on local people. We want to have a closer look here at ways of determining if noise will become a problem. Then, if you need solutions like a blow down silencer, you can rely on Ventx.
Observed effect levels
The most important thing is to consider the overall effect of noise exposure. Will building a new industrial facility close to a housing estate make people have to change their day to day behaviour to cope with the sound? Will building new facilities near existing businesses have an impact on their operations? This is a complex issue, so there is a lot to think about.
No effect
Ideally, the best option is to achieve a “no observed effect level”. It means noise won’t cause any additional effects, so it won’t have an impact on the wider area.
Sadly, it is incredibly difficult to achieve this, especially when you consider noise from construction and operations. However, that doesn’t mean the noises will be harmful. While it may slightly change the noise profile of an area, it won’t have an impact on quality of life for local residents or workers. If noises don’t cause an adverse effect, there is generally no need to take action. So, it may not be necessary to look at things like blow down silencer solutions.
Lowest level
If the noise is louder and more disruptive, it can cross the “lowest observed adverse effect level”. What that means is the sounds start to have an impact on people. For example, the additional noise may mean they have to talk louder.
Crossing into this level means it is important to have a closer look at the impact. Will there be a big drop in quality of life? If so, it is important to start thinking about mitigation and how to reduce the sounds. Ideally, you want to think about this early in the design phase. It will make it easier to determine if you need products like a blow down silencer.
Highest level
Finally, noise may pass into the “significant observed adverse effect level”. This means it has a big impact on people. It can result in huge changes in behaviour and cause a drop in quality of life. There can be serious health issues too, especially with repeat exposure and things like sleep disruption.
Projects are unlikely to get planning permission if noise will be this bad. It may result in the need to reconsider site selection. In some cases, a change of layout and using measures to reduce noise could be sufficient.
Speak to us about blow down silencer solutions and more
As you can see, there are ways of determining when noise may become a problem. You need to think carefully about the noises from a project and the harm they could cause. The higher the risk of an adverse effect on people nearby, the more important it is to take action. In some cases, activities will need to be avoided altogether.
If you do expect your project will generate noise that will have an impact on people, we can help. Ventx is one of the leading industrial noise specialists in the UK. We can design silencers for various facilities, from factories and warehouses to heavy manufacturing plants. We have experience with different designs, including blow down silencer equipment and more. As a result, we can provide effective bespoke solutions every time.
So, contact us today if you need help, especially at early planning stages.
