projects

Below are a list of archive case studies. Select one to learn more, recent case studies are listed in the projects section...

> Coach & Horses (PH)
> Parklands
> The Fun Factory
> Firearms Training Ranges
> Faroe and Maldive
> Brixham Hospital
> The Nursery, Aldermaston
> Petroleum Headquarters, Leatherhead
> Park Dairy Farm Recycling Site, Bordon
> New Restaurant in Camden Town, North London
> New Homes
> Bar M
> Malden Road Appeal
> Shepherd Neame
> Skates Industrial, Skates Farm
> Clay Pigeon Shooting
> Super Store Development
> Baggeridge Brick Works
> 27A Northgate
> Bridge Street
> Elizabeth Hall
> 4 and 11 Golden Square, London W1
> Roundway Mill, Devizes, Wiltshire
> Educational Premises, Cambridge
> Great Collin Farm, Worcestershire
> Great North Way, Hendon
> Police Authority
> Channel Tunnel Rail Link
> Nestle Purina
> Dairy Products Factory
> Lebanese Restaurant
> Police Training College
> Jet Plant Hire Limited
> Wychem Limited
> Royal British Legion
> New Street Warehouse
> Mill Hill Gas Works
> Duncan Print and Packaging
> Hotel & Restaurant Marquees
> Channel Tunnel Link
> Drums and Tanks
> Town Centre Regeneration

In order to discharge a condition attached to a Planning Consent for a new restuarant the Environmental Health & Licensing Officers required an acoustic assessment.

This entailed an acoustic survey to determine the background noise levels during the periods when the extract ventialtion system would be in operation.

The extract system was then designed so that it did not increase background noise levels at the nearest sensitive receptor.

A commissioning test was carried out on the kitchen extract system and the results of a follow-up survey proved that the noise criterion was achieved.

 

 

 

A Local Authority in the East Midlands following refurbishment works on a Leisure Centre, received a number of complaints of noise nuisance from residents.

Detailed noise surveys and an acoustic test of the function rooms established that low frequency noise was escaping via the new roof and internal doors.

A noise report was presented to a Licensing Hearing and further tests using a sound source comprising a 1600 watt amplifier and four 10 inch speakers generated a constant level of 100dB at a frequency of 80Hz.

The resultant acoustic coupling resulted in low frequency noise efficiently propagating to a distance of 100m or more to the nearby properties.

Additional mitigation by way of noise control at source was installed comprising of a SENTRY to control the maximum amplified music level including percussion instruments and a disco anti-volume controller AVC (not a limiter or compressor). If DJ's do not connect to the AVC the Sentry will cut off power if the levels are exceeded. The sound control system also incorporated magnetic proximity switches on all outward doors.

In all cases of entertainment noise nuisance the solution will always be part technical and part management. The aim is to give management of the premises the tools they need, including training, to control the level of sound within the building to the extent that the current structure is capable of containing sound. Mediation between residents and management with an agenda agreed in advance and a memorandum of understanding as the outcome of the meeting is also a substantial foundation on which the necessary trust, confidence and respect would be built over a period of a few months.

 

 

  

 

 

The noise survey of the Brixham Hospital site investigated ambient and background noise levels at the site and in the surrounding area. 

The report recommended noise criterion for the proposed nursing home and assessed the noise impact of the operation of the ambulance station and its fleet on the nursing home and other care facilities.

The study concluded that current best practice including an embargo on ambulance sirens sounding in the residential area until vehicles reach the main road and other mitigation measures are and will remain in place to minimise any potential disturbance to future residents.

West Berkshire Council required the noise assessment to be undertaken in accordance with criterion pertinent to BS4142.

The report explained the existing and proposed site activities, the noise monitoring protocol, monitoring locations and presented the results of noise monitoring.

The assessment examined the effects on noise levels from the use of the principle plant operating at the site and the exposure of potential noise sensitive properties in the surrounding area to these sources.

The report discussed appropriate noise assessment criterion for the site. It's conclusions presented an assessment with regards to the noise implications as to affect amenity and predicted the likely impact on environmental noise levels in the area from the operation of the waste transfer station.

 

The Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to assess the noise to which employees may be exposed. Facilities management required an assessment of internal plant areas where maintenance work is undertaken and where equipment and machinery is operated by landscape and gardening employees at the Leatherhead site.

Noise measurement surveys and risk assessments of employees provided the information for the employer to develop an action plan. It was recommended that a Health Surveillance programme including audiometric testing is provided for the landscape employees. The action plan would identify priorities in respect of noise control and areas that could/should have immediate, short, medium and long term attention to control noise risks and reduce employees noise exposure.

 

 

 

Hampshire County Council's Planning Authority required a noise assessment in support of a planning application for use of a crusher at an existing recycling site on the Blackmoor Estate.

A condition of the site's existing planning permission for soil screening is that the Operator undertakes monitoring every three months in order to demonstrate that adequate measures are in place.

The results of the monitoring and predictions resulting from the proposed operations based on actual sound power levels produced in the case of existing plant, together with those made available by the equipment manufacturer were presented in the report.

Where appropriate, recommendations for mitigating sound from the site operations and methods of controlling noise generated by fixed plant and machinery were produced. The overall conclusion was that noise from the operation of the proposed crushing machinery would have no impact on the amenity of the existing dwellings in the surrounding area. 

 

 

 

A noise assessment was undertaken of a kitchen ventilation system to be installed at premises in Camden High Street.

The design of the ventilation system ensured that it was contained within the building fabric. The extraction fan would be fitted with its associated control equipment to an internal duct and duct riser from kitchen hoods to a vertical vent that would terminate at high level to the rear elevation of the building.

The study presented information on the acoustic conditions at the site, a review of the appropriate noise standards, predictions of noise emissions from the new plant and examined the likely implications in terms of noise levels at the facade of adjoining properties, some of which are in residential use.

The report's findings demonstrated that the scheme would meet the noise criterion of Camden Council's Environmental Health Authority.

 

 

On behalf of the developers Michael Sugiura Ltd undertook surveys of existing conditions at sites in Coulsdon, Surrey and Totteridge, London.

The noise studies asessed the impact of traffic movements generated by the proposed developments during peak and off-peak hours includng forecast movements on the proposed access during the night.

The noise reports for each of the applications demonstrated that there would be no material exacerbation of noise and disturbance over and above the existing ambient noise levels resulting from the proposed developments.

The reports concluded that there would be no conflict with local planning policies.

A decision by Wandsworth Council's Licensing Sub-Committee to vary the premises licence specified a number of conditions relating to the prevention of public nuisance. Representations from the Environmental Services Officer indicated concern for potential disturbance arising from an extension of hours as there is residential property in close proximity of the premises.

Following a sound test, which measured noise from amplified music sources located on three floors of the premises, a number of defects in the building were identified. A schedule of remedial steps were produced. The purpose of the works was to contain, in conjunction with control of music at source, by the installation of sound system controllers and setting limits.

 

An application for planning permission was refused by Sutton Council for a development to form 12 two-bedrooom self contained flats and one three-bedroom self contained duplex unit.

One of the reasons for refusal was on the grounds of noise. The Council's concern was that the development would introduce a harmful level of noise generated activity to nearby properties that currently does not exist.

The evidence reviewed the noise issues and the reason for refusal and assessed the relevant noise criterion. Results from a noise survey of existing conditions were described and predictions of the future noise levels from the effects of traffic movements generated by the development.

The site survey demonsrated a high existing noise climate daytime and night-time.

The Appeal was successful.

The Brewery, following further complaints from neighbours, instructed Michael Sugiura Ltd to undertake noise assessments at a number of public houses in Islington, Greenwich, London and Herne, Kent where regulated entertainment takes place.

Site surveys were made of noise emissions from the buildings, acoustic tests of party wall and facades, followed by design of remediation.

The assessment of music noise levels recommended the installation of noise limiters, which can be adjusted to control the musician's maximum noise level over a wide range of frequencies.

The Brewery was advised that, from our experience, that this is done in collaboration with the Environmental Health Officers.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council attached to a planning consent a noise related condition.

To discharge the condition Michael Sugiura Ltd undertook a noise survey of background noise levels and noise levels at the site boundaries from the testing, maintenance and repair of machinery and plant.

The survey results demonstrated that the buildings, structure and plant were adequately sound proofed.

The Company were advised that it met the requirements of the Environmental Health Authority.

Noisy operations within the confines of the building produced very little noise by ensuring that the doors of the building are closed.

 

 

 

An International Hotel in Hampshire commissioned Michael Sugiura Ltd to undertake a noise study of their clay target shooting activity.

A methodology was produced following consultation with Hart District Council Environmental Health Authority. This noise monitoring protocol agreed noise monitoring locations and assessment criterion.

The surveys were conducted when there were varying wind vectors occurring on a selected number of survey days.

The three Local Parish Councils were fully informed throughout the survey planning and a copy of the monitoring results together with a noise report was made available to them, local residents and the Planning Committee.

 

 

Michael Sugiura Ltd have provided the following noise consultancy services:

• Site surveys to check the compliance of conditions in respect of noise as detailed in South Bucks District Council's prior consent notice under section 61 (1) of the Control of pollution Act 1974.
• Prediction of noise levels using measured and published noise data of plant items proposed for the works.
• Produced design concepts for specific noise attenuation measures to ensure that conditions are complied withthroughout thre duration pof the works. 
• Undertaken pre-construction baseline noise surveys and review of environmental noise data generated by the installation of five noise monitoring terminals positioned around the site in agreed fixed locations with South Bucks District Council.
• Liaison with South Bucks District Council Environmental Health Officers and provison of noise calculations and data ensuring that the continuous monitoring being undertaken satisfies the objectives of all sensitive receptors and key stakeholders.

Project dates: August 2007 (ongoing)

The District Council's brief was to assess whether or not the Baggeridge Brickworks fulfilled conditions for noise detailed in the Council's PPC permit.

Noise surveys were timed during normal production conditions. Some evidence proved that noise levels substantiated complaints of disturbance from Sunday working, and that the primary sources were from the reverse jet filter, early start up of a loader and a feeder/conveyor system. 

The report detailed a number of noise control issues. These were brought to the notice of the Council and the operator.

Overall, the scheme of noise control of the internal productiion plant at source and containment by the existing buildings ensured that the permitted noise limits were met provided that the external noise control issues were addressed.  

 

 

The Local Planning Authority required the developer to submit a noise report in support of a planning application for the proposed air conditioning units to be installed in a basement of new residential flats in Northgate, St John's Wood.

Each of the new air conditioning units was designed to a level 10 dB below the lowest measured background noise without the need for further attenuation devices.

The report described the noise survey of existing conditions and examined the likely implications for noise levels at the facade of the adjoining flats.

It was demonstrated that noise from the air conditioning units would have no impact on the residential amenity of the surrounding properties. The application was approved. 

 

 

The Local Planning Authority in Northamptonshire required the application for planning permission to redevelop a former munitions site to be supported by a noise study.

Following extensive consultations with the Environmental Health Authority, detailed noise and vibration surveys were carried out over 24hrs.

The noise assessment determined the site's PPG 24 noise exposure category to railway and road traffic noise. This assessment was quality assured by noise modelling and by calculations.

Distance limits were optimised for the proposed housing in order that a good standard of internal amenity would be ensured and the opportunities for mitigation was produced based on scheme design and the noise assessment.

 

 

 

One of the main requirements of the Parish Council's redevelopment of an existing Community Hall was that the acoustic conditions in the new hall were to be at least the same as the existing hall.  

In January 2007 a survey of acoustic conditions in the existing hall was carried out which established the reverberation time of the hall across all frequencies. An acoustic report was produced and the results supplied to the design team.

Following construction of the new hall a further survey of the acoustic conditions was carried out in August 2008.  The results of the surveys showed that the reverberation times were optimal across the frequency range of interest for speech and music and were in fact better than the former hall.

On going (August 2008)

This project required noise assessments for proposed externally mounted air conditioning units in a rear light well and roof adjoining 1st floor offices for two premises. 

In each case the report examined and presented the results of the noise surveys and explained the likely implications for noise levels at the façade of nearby buildings, some of which are in residential use.

The assessments reviewed the appropriate noise standards, and discussed the requirements of the City of Westminster Environmental Health Authority. The reports presented conclusions on the effects of noise on the amenity.

In both cases planning permission was granted.

Project dates: 01/09/04 & 01/07/06

This project required detailed noise monitoring of the existing noise climate at the site. 

Predictions of noise were undertaken to quantify the impact of noise on the amenity of future residents from neighbouring industrial uses and road traffic.

The noise report presented conclusions on the effects of industrial and road traffic noise sources on the proposed development. Then, based upon an assessment of existing and future conditions a number of mitigation measures were recommended on the design of the Affordable Housing development.

This project involved an assessment of the internal noise levels in a noise sensitive building located in Cambridge.

The client was advised on the methodology for assessing internal noise levels in the examination papers marking rooms.

The noise measurement survey was carried out when the rooms were in use by examination markers. It identified high levels of disturbing noise from an industrial grade paper shredder.

Appropriate recommendations were presented for reducing noise from this and other associated mechanical plant.

This site is a farm with a number of barns converted for industrial use.

The project required detailed noise monitoring of the primary commercial unit used for paint spraying operations of commercial vehicles, including spray booth ventilation equipment, site related vehicular movements, and odour control plant.

An assessment and prediction of noise was undertaken to quantify the effect on neighbouring properties.

The noise report set out a number of noise reduction measures and following their implementation the Enforcement Notice was withdrawn by the Local Planning Authority.

I was instructed by the Planning Consultant on behalf of the client to prepare a noise report following refusal of planning permission for a proposed residential development on land at 185-189 Great North Way, Hendon, London N4. 

This involved taking into account the issue of concern advised in London Borough of Barnet Councils’ notice of refusal and assessing the relevant noise criterion.

The report described the noise survey undertaken at the site and summarised the surveys results. It also examined the effects that the existing noise climate has on noise levels at the site and predicted the impact of noise from road traffic on the amenity of the proposed noise sensitive properties in proximity to the existing A1(T) Great North Way.

The noise assessment determined the site falls within Noise Exposure Category (NEC) D, and having regard to PPG 24 advice the site was not deemed sustainable on noise grounds.

At an informal hearing the noise evidence was explained which substantially assisted on the question of whether the site was viable as a housing scheme with appropriate conditions.

The Appeal was allowed.

This project required noise monitoring of internal noise levels from a cooling system serving a new computer server facility.

A risk assessment was undertaken to quantify the potential exposure of computer staff in the workplace.

The noise report recommended the actions required to be taken where noise exposure was found to be at or above the specified limits.

Night-time noise surveys for the construction of a services diversion bridge in Dagenham.

A noise report detailed the monitoring results and demonstrated that noise levels at potential noise sensitive dwellings complied with noise limits specified in the Council's Control of Pollution Act 1974 Section 61 prior consent notice.

The objective of this project was to assess the current noise emissions from the site prior to it being extended and to provide recommendations to the client as to how the detailed requirements of the Babergh District Council set out in its planning permission and IPC permit could be achieved.

This involved undertaking noise surveys and using prediction models to determine the impact of new extruder lines operations. From these predictions noise mitigation measures were recommended to the client and successfully introduced in order to meet the noise requirements of the Local Planning Authority and Environment Agency.

Noise surveys of a dairy products processing facility.

The noise investiagtion was to assess the noise exposure levels of employees working in the facility and concentrated on the despatch bay, pillowpack line, extrusion and sachet lines.

The assessment showed that the requirements of the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 had to a large extent being implemented. A number of reccommendations were prepared for the management to action to minimise the risk.

In addition, an external noise survey was undertakem to check complaince with Local Authority planning consent conditions.

The purpose of this report was to supply evidence in support of an application to extend hours of opening of the restaurant to 01:00 hours. 

Detailed noise surveys were undertaken at the site and in the surrounding area during those hours necessary to assess the impact of extended opening hours on residents in close proximity.

Due to the complex nature of patron, pedestrian and traffic movements, which are often associated with such premises, it was necessary to work closely with the Planning Consultant to ensure that the evidence produced was consistent and events attributable to patronage was linked to the noise evidence. 

Predicted noise levels of mechanical services plant were also calculated to assess the impact of noise from extended hours on the amenity of potential noise sensitive properties in close proximity to the site.

The noise issues were reviewed and early consultation was made with Westminster City Council’s Environmental Health Officers to assess the relevant noise criterion prior to the evidence being submitted in order to agree common ground on survey results.

Extended licensing and trading hours were granted.

Project date: 01/01/03

This project required noise surveys of external noise levels associated with the training of police dogs. The events of barking were recorded as well as background noise levels during quiet times.

The assessment determined that noise levels were not of a magnitude in terms of their intensity, duration or timing that would constitute a daytime nuisance at potential noise sensitive premises.

The report concluded that the likelihood of community annoyance is a judgment based upon local circumstances. For a given noise level annoyance from housed animals varied significantly but no particular animal characteristic or socio-demographic variables were found to be associated with the degree of annoyance.

To control the spread of noise from the site to neighbouring residents a number of noise mitigation measures involving redesign of the kennels were successfully implemented.

Project date: 01/01/03

This project required detailed noise monitoring, assessment and predictions to determine the effect on neighbouring properties where BS4142: 1997 Method for Rating Industrial Noise Affecting Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas is appropriate together with the likelihood of complaints about noise that can be assessed using the guidance.

BS4142 is generally applied to assess the potential for noise from fixed installations that may give rise to community response. This standard does not define specific noise ‘levels’ but is adopted by local authorities to assist in the appraisal of developments operating close to a noise-sensitive area.

The notice was varied and the noise nuisance abated.

Project date: 01\07\02

This project involved undertaking an IPCC noise study on a batch chemical manufacturer for its site in Suffolk.

The study focused on the noise levels from the operation of the installation, and in particular with regard to noise sources operating at the site, and the potential exposure of noise sensitive properties in the area to these sources.

The report detailed the nature, measurement and effects of noise from this type of installation and referred to the PPC Regulations, IPPC BAT Requirements and consultations with Bury St. Edmunds Borough Council’s Environmental Health Officers.

Project date: 01/03/02

Worcester City Council had served an Abatement Notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The Royal British Legion Club appealed to Evesham Magistrates Court and the Council appointed Michael Sugiura as an expert witness to prepare noise evidence.

An inspection of the building and a sound test of music noise levels proved that the noise limiter did not provide sufficient control to prevent a significant increase in background noise levels in the evening and night-time.

There was material exacerbation of noise and disturbance up to 23:30 hours from the playing of amplified music.

The construction of the roof was inadequate to prevent the escape of noise.

Following a pre-hearing meeting the Club undertook to a carry out a number of remedial measures.  The appeal was withdrawn.

 

 

 

 

Detailed manual noise surveys on daytime and night-time conditions were undertaken in the area surrounding the site. A survey of internal and external plant was carried out to assist the design of the new production lines.

Following the Phase 2 development additional surveys found that there was zero increase in background noise levels at all measurement locations. The noise criterion of the Local planning authority was met. Noise from the operation of the new bottling lines had not affected the amenity of residents in the vicinity of the site.

The World Health Organisation guideline values for daytime community annoyance and night-time sleep distubance was  achieved.

 

 

Noise measurement surveys of an existing and upgraded gas pressure reduction station on a former Town gas works site at Bittacy Hill, London. Prediction of resulting noise levels from the operation of the gas pressure reduction station and its impact on new housing from the provision of enclosure of the gas pressure compressors, pipelines and valves.

Further work was on the design of enclosures for compressors and valves and sound insulation testing of new built residential flats in 2003.

 

Project date 28/8/2000

Workplace noise study for a print and packaging company in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.

A noise survey and a risk assessment including dosimetry was undertaken of employees in the production areas.

Project Date: 27/7/2000

Surveys of entertainment noise from events in a marquee holding evening functions in Swallowfield and near Henley on Thames.

Advice and presentation of a noise report for appeals against Noise Abatement Notices.

Project date: 1/5/2000

Night-time noise surveys of the construction of a services diversion bridge in Dagenham for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

Project Date: 9/3/2000

Noise surveys were undertaken of an existing recycling facility for industrial drums and tanks together with its proposed change of use to inert materials collected in skips. An impact assessment of noise of skip deliveries and processing of waste.

Project date 6/5/99

The studies of existing levels of road traffic noise were by survey and calculations in accordance with Department of Transport Welsh Office Memorandum Calculation of Road Traffic Noise.

A study of construction and vibration impacts was by calculation in accordance with BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997 Noise and vibration control on construction and open sites.

The report reviewed criteria, predicted the magnitude of the noise impacts and proposed constructional and managerial techniques to minimise noise and vibration.

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