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Atten: Mrs Lisa Godfrey Hartlip Parish Council Kent
13th October 2014
Our Ref: GA-2014-0042-L1
Dear Mrs Godfrey,
RE: Brickearth Extraction Works, Paradise Farm – Analysis
of Noise Impact Assessment
Thank you for contacting me with regards to reviewing the noise chapter of the
Environmental Statement produced by Wienerberger Ltd dated June 2014 concerning the
proposed brickearth extraction at Paradise Farm. I understand that there are concerns with
regards to the noise impact from these operations of the extraction on local residents.
I have therefore reviewed the noise chapter and the noise levels predicted to closest
receptors. The two noise prediction scenarios considered in the assessment are the ‘normal
operations’ where there is an upper limit of 55dBLAeq, 1hr and the temporary / short term soil
stripping / soil heaps which have a higher limit of 70dBLAeq,1hr in accordance with relevant
British Guidance.
In order for the noise limit of 55dBLAeq to have been determined, existing background levels
needed to be above 45dB(A), which is the case. The lowest background levels measured of
46.9dB(A) were at receptors ML1 and ML5. The time periods for the noise monitoring were
spread throughout a typical weekday and Saturday and are considered to be representative
of quieter periods when background levels are expected to be lower. These are unlikely to
change significantly over the day as the background noise source is the M2 which can be
considered as a fairly constant noise source.
Brickearth Works, Paradise Farm GA-2014-0042-L1
Office 9 Kings Mews
Colchester
Essex CO7 9JD
Contact Office: 01206 820104 Mobile: 07837 719185
E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.grantacoustics.co.uk
Having looked at the noise predictions from both the normal and temporary operations,
both scenarios are within the relevant criteria and guidance of 55dB(A) and 70dB(A) at
receptors. This does not however mean that the noise levels will not be disturbing to
residents. Generally if source levels are 10dB(A) or more above background levels
then this is subjectively a doubling in noise level and complaints are likely.
It is unclear from the assessment whether the cumulative effect of wheel washers,
road sweepers and excavation work being undertaken on site has been taken into
account. There is no reference to wheel wash or road sweeper noise levels. It is
shown on the noise prediction Figures (see Figure 1 at the end of this letter) that
lorries hauling will be mainly through the centre of the site. It is however unclear what
the haul road surface will be as this could influence the amount of impact noise from
the lorry moving across rough ground.
It is stated in the noise chapter that advice provided by L. Davies from the County
Council should include peak or impulsive noise such as reversing bleepers. This does
not seem to have been included within the assessment, along with any tonal
characteristics that may be appropriate. Noise from reversing bleepers is known to
travel some distance and due to the location of the residential dwellings, are likely to
be quite obvious and give cause for complaint. I would suggest that alternatives to
reversing bleepers could be investigated, but will obviously have to take into account
health and safety on site. There is also likely to be impact noise from sources such as
empty lorry bodies jumping over rough ground and stones hitting metal bodies when
brickearth is being tipped. All these sources can be loud and startling which can give
cause for complaint. The impact of these sudden noise sources has not been taken
into account in the assessment.
13/10/2014 Page 2 of 4
Brickearth Works, Paradise Farm GA-2014-0042-L1
In terms of mitigation provided, it is noted that there is screening from a transparent
wall / screen to ESR3. Details of this structure should be provided and it is
recommended that if planning permission is granted, this should continue eastwards to
ensure the other properties along this boundary are screened from on site activities
aswell. Figure 1 shows the location of the screening and how it should be extended.
In my professional opinion there is likely to be disturbance/complaints as a result of
noise from the extraction works, particularly given that the assessment has not
considered peak noise levels which are normally the most disturbing due to the
unpredictable nature of the source.
Kind regards
Rachel Grant Rachel Grant Dip. H.E. MIOA
Principal Consultant
13/10/2014 Page 3 of 4
Brickearth Works, Paradise Farm GA-2014-0042-L1
Figure 1: Location of Extended Screening
Extent of barrier to be continued
13/10/2014 Page 4 of 4