Client

North Lincolnshire Council

Date 2003

Problem

It was proposed to build a first-floor extension to one of the buildings at Winterton Comprehensive School, Lincolnshire. North Lincolnshire Council needed to be assured that the proposed plans were in compliance with Building Bulletin 93, ‘Acoustic Design of Schools’.

Solution

Hepworth Acoustics carried out a detailed assessment of the plans for the extension, with particular focus on teaching rooms, since these carry the full weight of the mandatory requirements. The assessment looked at the impact of external sound on teaching, the passage of sound from one classroom to another and the build up of reverberant sound in rooms.

Benefit

The clients were provided with a clear and detailed set of recommendations on which the developer could proceed in planning and constructing the extension, knowing that it would then be in full compliance with BB93.

Client

Tarmac Quarry Products Ltd

Date 2001

Problem

The client wished to apply for an extension of operating hours at a mineral extraction site and wanted to ensure that all operations were within the required noise limits for evening activities.

Solution

Hepworth Acoustics carried out an assessment of noise during evening site operations at the mineral extraction site. The noise assessment included noise surveys at three different locations, during the presence and absence of site operations. This showed that there were notable extraneous noises not attributable to the site, particularly from aircraft and road traffic.

Benefit

The evidence provided by Hepworth Acoustics showed that the noise climate at three locations studied was, in fact, dominated by road traffic noise. The on-site noise levels were low and would thus not result in any demonstrable harm to the local environment. On the basis of Hepworth Acoustics' evidence, the extension to operating hours was granted.

Client

Highways Agency

Date 1994

Problem

It was proposed to upgrade a 10 km stretch of the A27 between Worthing and Lancing in the South East of England. The road improvement affected over 6,000 residential properties, and was subject to a protracted Public Inquiry.

Solution

Hepworth Acoustics carried out detailed computer modelling and traffic noise calculations of the affected area, so providing hard data on which the road development decisions could be made. Hepworth Acoustics also gave expert evidence at the Public Inquiry at a number of different stages of its 10-month duration.

Benefit

The clients were provided with up-to-the minute data using the most sophisticated computer modelling software available. They also had at their disposal throughout the length of the Public Inquiry highly skilled and experienced personnel who were able to respond to questions with clarity, understanding and authority.

Client

South West Water Services Ltd

Date 1993

Problem

South West Water Services Ltd had submitted a planning application to build a new sewage pumping station and to reinstate a car parking area at Porthgwidden near St Ives in Cornwall. Cornwall County Council had refused planning permission, partly on the grounds of the noise nuisance which would be incurred during the construction phase of the project.

Solution

Hepworth Acoustics provided expert evidence on behalf of the client in support of their appeal against the refusal of planning permission. Through a detailed study of the environment and of the residences likely to be affected by the construction works, Hepworth Acoustics were able to break down phases of noise production and their possible impact into clearly measurable discreet episodes.

Benefit

The evidence provided by Hepworth Acoustics clarified the range and dimensions of the effect of potential noise nuisance during the construction phase of the sewage pumping station in such a way that planning permission was granted.