The Latest News & Articles

Noise Assessments in support of Section 61 Consent Applications for the Railway Infrastructure Industry help avoid the prospect of work being stopped due to Noise and Vibration Complaints

09 February 2017

A construction contractor can apply to a Local Authority (LA) for ‘prior consent’ for works under Section 61 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 by submitting, in advance, details of the proposed work […..]

Spectrum provides services from initial noise predictions to noise Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for equipment suppliers on offshore platform projects

25 January 2017

Spectrum Acoustic Consultants Ltd provides services from initial noise predictions through to noise factory acceptance tests (FAT) for equipment suppliers. Spectrum also witnesses noise FAT tests on behalf of EPC contractors in order to ensure the tests are undertaken in line with the applicable test procedures […..]

Modern offshore oil platform noise consultancy involves more than merely identifying restricted areas and recommending hearing protection

21 December 2016

In the past it was often accepted that offshore oil platforms were inherently noisy and limited effort and cost was expended on noise control engineering at the design stage. Typically, the only involvement an offshore noise specialist might expect was in predicting noise contours in work areas where equipment had been purchased to inappropriate noise limits[…..]

Spectrum Acoustic Consultants discharge Noise Planning Conditions

20 December 2016

Spectrum regularly act as the Specialist Noise Consultant to discharge Noise Planning Conditions on building developments, taking the planning permission requirements, carrying out the necessary technical analyses and producing a report to provide to the Local Planning Authority to discharge the Conditions […..]

Specialist supermarket acoustic consultancy services provided to Aldi for new Stores – latest is in Chester

29 November 2016

As part of their ongoing expansion program in the North West, Aldi are seeking planning permission for a new 1,887m2 supermarket at the Inchcape Mercedes-Benz dealership site located off Parkgate Road in Chester. To form part of the planning application, Spectrum, acting as their supermarket acoustic and noise consultant, was required to prepare a noise impact assessment report, in order to satisfy the requirements of the Local Planning Authority […..]

Spectrum act as BREEAM Acoustic Consultant

28 November 2016

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is used widely in the construction industry to determine the sustainability of buildings. Within the method is the need to determine the acoustic sustainability of a building, and Spectrum frequently act as the BREEAM Acoustic Consultant, to help the developer, design team and contractor achieve the BREEAM Acoustic Credits, that count towards the overall certification standard […..]

On-Demand and Real-Time noise monitoring reports required from Consultants, in Noise Management Plans for highly sensitive projects

27 October 2016

Planning Authorities are increasingly demanding Noise Management Plans from Consultants which provide for real-time or on-demand provision of noise monitoring reports. This article shows how this demanding technology is now being implemented […..]

Sport England publish guidance on assessing noise from artificial grass pitches – AGP, (sometimes called Multi-Use Games Areas – MUGA)

01 September 2016

Spectrum have developed a robust way to evaluate noise from sports pitches (MUGA or AGP), which has proven successful. A proper acoustic evaluation can avoid very expensive mistakes and can ease a consultation process. We would be pleased to help you develop your proposals […..]

Landmark decision allowing hydraulic stimulation (fracking) to take place in North Yorkshire. Spectrum provided noise expertise for this onshore gas development project

19 August 2016

Third Energy have been successful in their application to hydraulically fracture (frack) an existing operating gas well at a long established site near Kirby Misperton in North Yorkshire. This is the first successful application made, since the moratorium on fracking was lifted by the UK government in 2012 […..]

Proposed new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) moves into Community Consultation phase

12 August 2016

Spectrum are acting as noise and vibration specialists on the proposed Rail Central SRFI which will occupy a large site to the west of Northampton near the villages of Milton Malsor and Blisworth. The application which is being considered under the arrangements for nationally significant infrastructure projects, is now moving into the consultation phase […..]