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Atten: Mrs Lisa Godfrey Hartlip Parish Council Kent 13 th 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 55dBL Aeq, 1hr and the temporary / short term soil stripping / soil heaps which have a higher limit of 70dBL Aeq , 1hr in accordance with relevant British Guidance.

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Page 1: Microsoft Word - GA-2014-0042-L1 Web viewAtten: Mrs Lisa Godfrey . Hartlip Parish Council . Kent . 13th October 2014 Our Ref: GA-2014-0042-L1 . Dear Mrs Godfrey, ... Microsoft Word

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.

Page 2: Microsoft Word - GA-2014-0042-L1 Web viewAtten: Mrs Lisa Godfrey . Hartlip Parish Council . Kent . 13th October 2014 Our Ref: GA-2014-0042-L1 . Dear Mrs Godfrey, ... Microsoft Word

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

Page 3: Microsoft Word - GA-2014-0042-L1 Web viewAtten: Mrs Lisa Godfrey . Hartlip Parish Council . Kent . 13th October 2014 Our Ref: GA-2014-0042-L1 . Dear Mrs Godfrey, ... Microsoft Word

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

Page 4: Microsoft Word - GA-2014-0042-L1 Web viewAtten: Mrs Lisa Godfrey . Hartlip Parish Council . Kent . 13th October 2014 Our Ref: GA-2014-0042-L1 . Dear Mrs Godfrey, ... Microsoft Word

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