3 May 2023
Project: Banner Lane, Coventry
Discipline: Acoustic Air
About the project:
M-EC was commissioned to provide a range of acoustic technical support for a reserved matters application of a 12-acre, 119-home residential development west of Coventry.
Previously home to a scientific instruments manufacturer, the development required a detailed acoustic assessment to ensure the site was suitable for residential development. Outline planning was secured during COVID-19, and previous assessments were undertaken using traffic flow data only. During the outline planning stage, the Local Authority had raised concerns regarding the extremities of the site being classed as medium–high risk in accordance with ProPG and suggested that habitable rooms (such as bedrooms) would need to be carefully orientated within dwellings so as not to overlook the dominant noise source.
M-EC carried out an Environmental Noise Survey to discharge any concerns, capturing real-world data to support the reserved matters application. Accompanied by acoustic modelling and thermal analysis, the assessment demonstrated that both suitable internal acoustic conditions could be achieved concurrently with thermal comfort, despite some windows being kept closed.
The sound survey and acoustic modelling results indicated that the hypothetical risk identified at the outline planning stage had yet to materialise based on the gathered sound data. Concerns remained from the Local Authority; as such, M-EC consulted directly with relevant Environmental Protection Officers to discuss modern dwelling design and appropriate mitigation measures, which resulted in Wain Homes being able to design the site without limitations from an acoustics perspective.
Due to external environmental factors identified within the initial assessments and the need for Approved Document O Overheating compliance, Thermal Modelling was undertaken for all affected homes. This confirmed that dwellings west of the development, both furthest away from Banner Lane and protected by other dwellings’ open windows, would comply with approved document O. The centre of the development required the addition of acoustically treated louvres, with the worst case being the dwellings and apartment blocks fronting Banner Lane requiring the need for Mechanical Ventilation.
Whilst mitigation highlighted closed window mechanical ventilation strategy, which increases build costs, identifying building regulation compliance requirements at the planning stage means that the client has future-proofed themselves as the thermal analysis and overheating strategy would carry them through both planning and building regulation stages. At this point, they will know that every dwelling on the development will comply with Approved Document O, meaning that their early proactive approach will save them from being hit with additional unexpected costs and delays at a crucial stage of the build/sale process.
If you would like to learn more about our Acoustic Air services or the impact that Approved Document O could have on your development, contact our team on the details below.
Adam Walker
adam.walker@m-ec.co.uk
01530 264753
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