The substantial rooftop heat rejection plant (packaged chiller units) at a major banking institution in the City of London reached the end of its useful life (of around 20 years). Our acoustic consultants were appointed by the planning consultants in the project in order to review the existing plant noise impact at neighbouring noise-sensitive uses, to assess the future noise impact, and to prepare a report to support the planning application for the replacement of the rooftop plant with new models.
In England, the overarching policy on noise management is set out in the Noise Policy Statement for England[1] (‘NPSE’). The Noise Policy Statement for England contains the vision of promoting good health and good quality of life through the effective management of noise within the context of Government policy on sustainable development.
The Noise Policy Statement for England also contains three aims: “Through the effective management and control of environmental, neighbour and neighbourhood noise within the context of Government policy on sustainable development:
- avoid significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life;
- mitigate and minimise adverse impacts on health and quality of life; and
- where possible, contribute to the improvement of health and quality of life.”
The acoustic report that Finch prepared, resulted in the local planning authority agreeing to grant planning permission and concluded that based on the robust evidence in the report, a relevant plant noise emissions condition was superfluous for this project.
