Proposed Lidl Food Store Muller Road Bristol. Environmental Noise Report for Planning

Proposed Lidl Food Store Muller Road Bristol Environmental Noise Report for Planning Reference: 5772/P/BL/pw October 2014

2 Proposed Lidl Food Store, Muller Road, Bristol Environmental Noise Report for Planning Client Architect Noise & Acoustic Consultant Lidl UK Locking Castle Business Park West Wick Weston super Mare BS24 7TG Lapworth Architects Somerville House 20 22 Harbourne Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 3AA Raleigh House Wellsway Keynsham Bristol BS31 1HS Prepared By Checked By Blake Lucas BEng. (Hons), MIOA Daniel Oldaker BSc. (Hons), MIOA Issue Number Date 1 st Issue 20 th August 2014 Revision A 21 st October 2014 2

3 Proposed Lidl Food Store, Muller Road, Bristol Environmental Noise Report for Planning INDEX PAGE 1.0 Introduction 4 2.0 Proposed Scheme 4 3.0 Assessment Criteria 5 4.0 Noise Measurements 9 5.0 Proposed Plant 11 6.0 Plant Assessment 14 7.0 Limitations 17 8.0 Summary and Conclusions 17 Appendix 1 Measured Baseline Noise Level 3

4 1.0 INTRODUCTION Lidl appointed to undertake a noise survey and an environmental noise assessment for the proposed Lidl food store in support of a planning application. This report is based on the information and layout contained on the Lapworth Architects Limited drawings entitled Site Plan as Proposed with the drawing number 1088 04 and dated August 2013. This report provides limiting noise criteria for the plant associated with the Lidl Food Store at the sensitive receivers around the site based on the noise monitoring results and the local planning authority guidance. This report also undertakes noise predictions and a British Standard 4142:1997 noise assessment for the plant associated with the Lidl Food Store on the nearby sensitive receivers around the store. The report has been prepared in good faith, with all reasonable skill and care, based on information provided or available at the time of its preparation and within the scope of work agreement with the Client. We disclaim any responsibility to the Client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above. 2.0 PROPOSED SCHEME The proposal is for a Lidl Food Store located on the site of a former car dealership at 175 Muller Road, Bristol. The site is located in a mixed residential and commercial area. The proposal is to construct a Lidl Food Store on the site. To the north of the site are the Horfield Allotments, to the east of the site is Dovercourt Road, to the west of the site is Muller Road and to the south of the site is a former First Bus Depot which closed in 2010. The main source of noise from a Lidl food store is due to the plant associated with the store. The plant associated with the Lidl food Store will be located on the eastern elevations of the store. The proposed Lidl plant will operate 24 hours a day according to demand. The most sensitive residential properties, in terms of plant noise are the residential properties to east of the site within Jack Knight House, Dovercourt Road (R1) approximately 25 metres away from the proposed plant location. All other residential dwellings are either at a further distance away from the plant or shielded from the noise by the store. 4

5 3.0 ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 3.1 National Planning Policy Framework The National Planning Policy Framework was published in March 2012 and replaces Planning Policy Guidance Document 24. This is a significantly shortened document. Section 11 entitled Conserving and enhancing the natural environment addresses noise as a requirement of planning. Paragraph 109 states: 109. The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by: preventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability. Paragraph 123 states: 123. Planning policies and decisions should aim to: avoid noise from giving rise to significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life as a result of new development; mitigate and reduce to a minimum other adverse impacts on health and quality of life arising from noise from new development, including through the use of conditions; recognise that development will often create some noise and existing businesses wanting to develop in continuance of their business should not have unreasonable restrictions put on them because of changes in nearby land uses since they were established; and identify and protect areas of tranquillity which have remained relatively undisturbed by noise and are prized for their recreational and amenity value for this reason. The document does not prescribe any assessment methodology or criteria to assess the adverse affect of noise. 3.2 Noise Policy Statement for England The NPPF refers to the Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE). This was published in March 2010 by DEFRA and aims to provide clarity regarding current policies and practices to enable noise management decisions to be made within the wider context, at the most appropriate level, in a cost effective manner and in a timely fashion. It applies to all forms of noise including environmental noise, neighbour noise and neighbourhood noise. 5

6 The NPSE introduces the concept of Significant Adverse and Adverse impacts of noise. These are applied as follows: NOEL No Observed Effect Level This is the level below which no effect can be detected. In simple terms, below this level, there is no detectable effect on health and quality of life due to the noise. LOAEL Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level This is the level above which adverse effects on health and quality of life can be detected. SOAEL Significant Observed Adverse Effect Level This is the level above which significant adverse effects on health and quality of life occur. The NPSE does not provide any assessment criteria for the noted effect levels. 3.3 National Planning Practice Guidance, Noise The National Planning Practice Guidance on noise referred to here is based on 23 rd August 2013 updated as provided on the Planning Guidance Website. It states that Noise needs to be considered when new developments may create additional noise and when new developments would be sensitive to the prevailing acoustic environment. In both cases, the potential noise impact needs to be addressed. Opportunities should also be taken, where possible, to achieve improvements to the acoustic environment. It provides generic guidance on how to determine the noise impact and what factors could be a concern. It includes the option types to mitigate any adverse effects of noise stating that there are four broad types of mitigation. These are engineering, layout, using planning conditions or obligations and noise insulation. 3.4 British Standard 4142:1997 The British Standard 4142:1997 entitled "Method for rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas" provides an assessment method in relation to the likelihood of complaints. The principle is that of establishing the "difference" between the rating level (the specific investigated noise with a +5 decibel acoustic feature correction, if applicable) and the background noise level. 6

7 To obtain the rating level the British Standard 4142: 1997 states that a +5 decibel acoustic feature correction should be added to the specific noise level if the specific noise has any of the following characteristics: The noise contains a distinguishable, discrete, continuous note (whine, hiss, screech, hum, etc.); The noise contains distinct impulses (bangs, clicks, clatters or thumps.); The noise is irregular enough to attract attention. In Section 9 of the Standard, under "Assessment Method", it states: "The greater the difference, the greater the likelihood of complaints. A difference of around +10dB or more indicates that complaints are likely. A difference of around +5 db is of marginal significance. If the rating level is more than 10 decibels below the Background Noise Level, then this is a positive indication that complaints are unlikely." According to the Standard, "a difference of around +5dB is of marginal significance" (Section 9) when assessed at locations external to façades of sensitive properties. We have used this criterion on numerous sites over a number of years and are not aware of any adverse reactions. In the British Standard under Section 1c Scope it states: This British Standard describes methods for determining, at the outside of a building: a) noise levels from factories, or industrial premises, or fixed installations, or sources of an industrial nature in commercial premises; and b) background noise level. The standard also describes a method for assessing whether the noise referred to in (a) is likely to give rise to complaints from people residing in the building. The method is not suitable for assessing the noise measured inside buildings or when the background and rating noise levels are both very low. NOTE: For the purposes of this standard, background noise levels below about 30 db and rating levels below about 35dB are consider to be very low. Examples of how to use the standard to obtain noise ratings and to assess the likelihood of complaints are given in Annex A. 7

8 As such, where the Background Noise Level and Rating levels are lower in assessments than those in the British Standard, it is appropriate to use these noted lowest levels. This is on the basis that with a partial open window, the internal equivalent noise level as a result of the specific noise will be no higher than 20 decibels which is very low. 3.5 Bristol City Council Standard Planning Condition Bristol City Council typically apply the following noise related planning condition for plant noise. Noise from plant and equipment No development shall take place until an assessment to show that the rating level of any plant & equipment, as part of this development, will be at least 5 db below the background level has been submitted to and been approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The assessment must be carried out by a suitably qualified acoustic consultant/engineer and be in accordance with BS4142: 1997 "Method of rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas". Reason: In order to safeguard the amenities of adjoining residential occupiers This is the criteria we have worked to in the assessment. 8

9 4.0 NOISE MEASUREMENTS 4.1 Monitoring Equipment Sound Pressure Levels were measured using a Sound Level Meter with half inch condenser microphones using the "fast" setting. The equipment is checked annually using a Quality System meeting the requirements of British Standard EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and in accordance with British Standard EN 10012:2003 and traceable to the National Standards. This equipment was checked and calibrated as noted below and the certificates are available for inspection. Table 1: Monitoring Equipment Equipment Description / Manufacturer / Type Serial number Date of calibration Calibration Certification Number Real Time Analyser, CEL, Type 593 100972 22/05/14 K08944 Pre Amplifier, CEL, Type 527 3/0232063 22/05/14 K08944 Microphone, GRAS 40AE 34509 22/05/14 K08944 Calibrator, CEL, Type 284/2 5819051 22/05/14 K08945 Sound Level Meter, B & K Type 2250 A 3000994 18/03/14 K072240 Pre Amplifier, B & K, Type ZC0032 14611 18/03/14 K072240 Microphone, B & K, Type 4189 2638388 18/03/14 K072240 Calibrator, B&K Type 4231 1934013 18/03/14 K072796 The measuring systems were checked for calibration before and after the tests which gave as a worse case a 0.4 db drift. This drift is not significant enough to affect any of the results. The monitoring was carried out in clear conditions with a daytime air temperature of about 20 degrees Centigrade with little or no wind. These conditions are not expected to have a significant adverse effect on the measured levels. 4.2 Monitoring Procedure An assessment to British Standard 4142 requires that the "Background Noise Level" typical for the area, be established. The plant operates 24 hours a day according to demand. As such, a daytime and night time noise monitoring exercise was carried out to determine the baseline noise conditions. Daytime noise monitoring was undertaken on the 16 th July 2014 commencing 10:52 hours on and finishing at 11:22 hours. The monitoring location was to the rear of the site (location A ) on a tripod with a windshield fitted and at a height of 1.4 metres from the ground in a free field position. 9

10 Night time noise monitoring was undertaken on the 22 nd July 2014 commencing 23:00 hours on and finishing at 00:00 hours. The monitoring location was outside the dwellings along Dovercourt Road (location B ) on a tripod with a windshield fitted and at a height of 1.4 metres from the ground in a free field position. The monitoring locations and nearest sensitive receiver location are as follows: Figure 1: Monitoring Location & Nearest Sensitive Receive Location The measured baseline noise levels were determined primarily by road traffic on the surrounding highway network. 4.3 Measured Data The measured data consists of the Equivalent Noise Level (L Aeq (5minute) ), and Background Noise Level (L A90 (5minute) ) in db (A). The results are provided in Appendix 1 for 5 minute measurement time intervals and are free field levels. The lowest measured background noise level at the worse case time (night time) is 33 db L A90 (5 minutes) (free field level). The measured daytime background noise level is 47 db L A90 (30 minutes) (free field level). 10

11 4.4 Plant Noise Criteria The following noise limiting criteria is based on British Standard 4142 and the measured noise data. We have been advised that local authority typically request plant rating levels are at least 5dB below the background noise level when assessed in accordance with British Standard 4142:1997. Based on the measured data and the typical local authority planning condition requirements the night time rating levels will fall below 35 db(a). Rating levels below 35 db(a) are outside the scope of a British Standard 4142:1997 assessment. Where Rating levels are below the lower limit of the British Standard a Rating Level of 35 db L Ar(T) is to be applied. On the above basis the cumulative plant free field rating noise level should not exceed the following at the sensitive receivers around the site: 42 db L Ar(1 hour) (free field level) during the day. 35 db L Ar(5 minutes) (free field level) during the night. 5.0 PROPOSED PLANT All plant is to be located on the eastern elevation of the store at high level, approximately 3 metres above the ground. 5.1 Refrigeration Plant The refrigeration plant operates on a 24 hour basis according to demand. It thus operates during the most sensitive time, the night time. From the information provided by Lidl, the proposed chiller unit is a Basetec condenser type GFV 080.3A/3 L(S) F6/4P. From the datasheet supplied by Lidl this unit has a sound pressure level of 42 L Aeq (short term) at 10 metres in a hemispherical free field. Any alternative plant should have an equal or lower noise emission level (db) in a hemispherical free field. 5.2 Bakery Freezer Plant It is proposed to install one condenser unit serving the bakery area. The proposed unit is the Rivacold Deutschland condenser unit with the model number THCL145Z ZF13 EVI and will operate 24 hours a day according to demand. The plant is to be located on the eastern elevation of the store at a height of 3 metres from the ground. 11

12 From the information supplied by Lidl UK, this unit has a noise emission level of 41 db L Aeq (short term) at 10 metre in a free hemispherical field. Any alternative plant should have an equal or lower noise emission level (db) in a hemispherical free field. 5.3 Air Conditioning Condenser Plant There are four condenser units which will serve the air conditioning plant. The plant is to be located on the eastern and northern elevation of the store at a height of 3 metres from the ground. The following table provides the manufacturer, model number, and sound pressure level of each unit at a distance of 1 metre in a free hemispherical field. Table 2: A/C Plant Manufacturer Model Location Quantity Individual Unit Sound Pressure Level Mitsubishi FDC200VS Eastern Elevation 1 57 db(a) Mitsubishi FDC250VS Eastern Elevation 2 58 db(a) Mitsubishi FDC112KXEN6 Northern Elevation 1 54 db(a) Any alternative plant should have an equal or lower noise emission level (db(a)) in a hemispherical free field. The A/C plant will operate during the daytime hours only. 5.4 Predicted Noise Level Plant noise levels at the nearby residential properties have been predicted based on the plant noise levels and distance correction of a point source. The most sensitive residential properties, in terms of plant noise are the residential properties to east of the site within Jack Knight House, Dovercourt Road (R1) approximately 25 metres away from the proposed plant location. All other residential dwellings are either at a further distance away from the plant or shielded from the noise by the store. The noise sources will include reflections off the building which will increase the noise emission level by about 3 db. The following tables provide the corrections to the stated manufacturer s noise levels to determine plant noise levels at the nearby residential properties. 12

13 The A/C plant will operate during the daytime store opening hours, 8am to 9pm. The refrigeration and bakery plant will operate 24 hours a day. Table 3: Predicted Daytime Noise Levels at R1 Manufacturers Distance Predicted Barrier Unit Sound Pressure Correction Reflection Level at R1 Correction Level L Aeq(T) To R1 L Aeq(1 hour) Refrigeration Plant 42 db(a) @ 10m 8 db +3 db 37 db(a) FDC200VS 57 db(a) @ 1m 28 db +3 db 32 db(a) FDC250VS 58 db(a) @ 1m 28 db +3 db 33 db(a) FDC250VS 58 db(a) @ 1m 28 db +3 db 33 db(a) FDC112KXEN6 54 db(a) @ 1m 28 db +3 db 29 db(a) Bakery Plant 41 db(a) @ 10m 8 db +3 db 36 db(a) This results in a predicted cumulative free field specific noise level of 42 db L Aeq (1 hour) at R1. Table 4: Predicted Night time Noise Levels at R1 Manufacturers Distance Predicted Barrier Unit Sound Pressure Correction Reflection Level at R2 Correction Level L Aeq(T) To R1 L Aeq(1 hour) Refrigeration Plant 42 db(a) @ 10m 8 db + 3 db 37 db(a) Bakery Plant 41 db(a) @ 10m 8 db + 3 db 36 db(a) This results in a predicted cumulative free field specific noise level of 40 db L Aeq (5 minutes) at R1. 13

14 6.0 PLANT ASSESSMENT 6.1 Assessment without Mitigation The plant will operate on a 24 hour basis according to demand. A daytime and nighttime British Standard 4142 assessment has been undertaken at the sensitive receivers around the site at the worse case time. Based on the measured data the maximum plant noise limits are a daytime rating noise level of 42 db L Ar(1 hour) (free field level) and a night time rating noise level of 35 db L Ar(5 minutes) (free field level). To obtain the rating level British Standard 4142: 1997 states that a +5 decibel acoustic feature correction should be added to the specific noise level if the specific noise has any of the following characteristics: The noise contains a distinguishable, discrete, continuous note (whine, hiss, screech, hum, etc.); The noise contains distinct impulses (bangs, clicks, clatters or thumps.); The noise is irregular enough to attract attention. On this basis the British Standard 4142:1997 assessment with a +5 db acoustic feature correction due to the plants intermittent and potential tonal nature is as follows: Table 5: Plant Noise Assessment at R1 Daytime Night time BS Clause Plant Noise Criteria L ArT 42 db 35 db 7.3 Specific Noise Level, L Aeq T 42 db 40 db 6.3 Acoustic Feature Correction +5 db +5 db Rating Level 47 db 45 db 8.3 Excess of rating over criteria +5 db +10 db 9.0 This means that the plant noise level will exceed the plant noise criteria by up +10 db at the receiver R1 during worse case time. This exceeds the local planning authority criteria and the likelihood of complaints is of marginal significance in terms of a British Standard 4142:1997 assessment and mitigation is necessary. 14

15 6.2 Mitigation Measures The typical Bristol City Council planning condition states that plant noise should achieve a maximum rating level that is at least 5 db below the background noise level. As such the plant rating level should not exceed 42 db(a) during the day and 35 db(a) during the night. To be within the Local Planning Authority criteria the bakery and refrigeration plant should be housed in a specialist acoustic enclosure. One such supplier of acoustic enclosures are Environ Technologies. We have been informed by Environ that a typical Environ Acoustic enclosure would achieve at least a 25 db(a) sound reduction. 6.3 Assessment with Mitigation 6.3.1 Predicted Specific Noise Level with Mitigation With the bakery plant and refrigeration plant housed in specialist acoustic enclosures that achieves a sound reduction of at least 25 db(a) the predicted specific noise levels are as follows: Table 6: Predicted Daytime Noise Levels at R1 Unit Manufacturers Sound Pressure Level L Aeq(T) Distance Correction To R1 Reflection Attenuation Due to Acoustic Enclosure Predicted Level at R1 L Aeq(1 hour) Refrigeration Plant 42 db(a) @ 10m 8 db +3 db 25 db 12 db(a) FDC200VS 57 db(a) @ 1m 28 db +3 db 32 db(a) FDC250VS 58 db(a) @ 1m 28 db +3 db 33 db(a) FDC250VS 58 db(a) @ 1m 28 db +3 db 33 db(a) FDC112KXEN6 54 db(a) @ 1m 28 db +3 db 29 db(a) Bakery Plant 41 db(a) @ 10m 8 db +3 db 25 db 11 db(a) This results in a predicted cumulative free field specific noise level of 38 db L Aeq (1 hour) at R1. 15

16 Table 7: Predicted Night time Noise Levels at R1 Unit Manufacturers Sound Pressure Level L Aeq(T) Distance Correction To R1 Reflection Attenuation Due to Acoustic Enclosure Predicted Level at R2 L Aeq(1 hour) Refrigeration Plant 42 db(a) @ 10m 8 db + 3 db 25 db 12 db(a) Bakery Plant 41 db(a) @ 10m 8 db + 3 db 25 db 11 db(a) This results in a predicted cumulative free field specific noise level of 15 db L Aeq (5 minutes) at R1. 6.3.2 Assessment with Mitigation The plant will operate on a 24 hour basis according to demand. A daytime and nighttime British Standard 4142 assessment has been undertaken at the sensitive receivers around the site at the worse case time. Based on the measured data the maximum plant noise limits are a daytime rating noise level of 42 db L Ar(1 hour) (free field level) and a night time rating noise level of 35 db L Ar(5 minutes) (free field level). The predicted specific noise level is at least 10 db below the measured background noise as such any potential intermittent or tonality is not expected to be distinguishable at the sensitive receiver. Table 8: Plant Noise Assessment at R1 Daytime Night time BS Clause Plant Noise Criteria L ArT 42 db 35 db 7.3 Specific Noise Level, L Aeq T 38 db 15 db 6.3 Acoustic Feature Correction +0 db +0 db Rating Level 38 db 15 db 8.3 Excess of rating over criteria 4 db 20 db 9.0 This means that the plant noise level will be within the Local Authority plant noise criteria by at least 4 db and as such plant noise is controlled to acceptable levels. In addition the likelihood of complaints is of less than marginal significance in terms of a British Standard 4142:1997 assessment which is considered acceptable. 16

17 7.0 LIMITATIONS The report limits itself to addressing solely on the noise control and acoustic aspects as included in this report. We provide advice only in relation to noise and acoustics. The report has been prepared in good faith, with all reasonable skill and care, based on information provided or available at the time of its preparation and within the scope of work agreement with the Client. We disclaim any responsibility to the Client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above. The report is provided for the sole use of the named Client and is confidential to them and their professional advisors. No responsibility is accepted to other parties. It should be noted that noise predictions are based on the current information as we understand it and on the performances noted in this report. Any modification to these parameters can alter the predicted level. All predictions are in any event subject to a degree of tolerance of normally plus or minus three decibels. If this tolerance is not acceptable, then it would be necessary to consider further measures. 8.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Lidl appointed to undertake a noise survey and an environmental noise assessment for the proposed Lidl Food in support of a planning application. This report provides limiting noise criteria for the plant associated with the Lidl Food Store at the sensitive receivers around the site based on the noise monitoring results and the local planning authority guidance. This report also undertakes noise predictions and a British Standard 4142:1997 noise assessment for the plant associated with the Lidl Food Store on the nearby sensitive receivers around the store. Plant noise levels at the nearest noise sensitive residential properties have been predicted and a British Standard 4142:1997 assessment undertaken. Plant noise exceeds the Local Authority typical planning condition criteria by up to 10 db and therefore mitigation is necessary. Mitigation measures should be introduced which comprise of installing the bakery and refrigeration plant in specialist acoustic enclosures. 17

18 With the proposed mitigation measures being implemented the predicted plant rating noise level will be within the Local Authority plant noise criteria by at least 4 db and as such plant noise is controlled to acceptable levels. In addition the likelihood of complaints is of less than marginal significance in terms of a British Standard 4142:1997 assessment which is considered acceptable. All other residential dwellings are either at a further distance away from the plant or shielded from the noise by the store and as such will experience lower levels of noise from the proposed plant. In environmental noise terms (affecting the residential premises in the vicinity) the proposals are considered acceptable in terms of plant noise emission to the dwellings in the vicinity. 18

19 Appendix 1 Measured Baseline Noise Level Location A Date and Time L Aeq db L A90 db 16/07/2014 10:52 56 48 16/07/2014 10:57 53 46 16/07/2014 11:02 55 49 16/07/2014 11:07 54 47 16/07/2014 11:12 52 47 16/07/2014 11:17 52 48 Location B Date and Time L Aeq db L A90 db 22/07/2014 23:05 46 41 22/07/2014 23:10 43 41 22/07/2014 23:15 41 39 22/07/2014 23:20 40 39 22/07/2014 23:25 42 38 22/07/2014 23:30 40 38 22/07/2014 23:35 40 38 22/07/2014 23:40 47 38 22/07/2014 23:45 38 36 22/07/2014 23:50 38 35 22/07/2014 23:55 36 34 23/07/2014 00:00 35 33 19