Independent acoustic consultants — Scotland & UK

Clarity from noise.

From planning applications to workplace compliance and noise complaints, we deliver clear measurement, proportionate analysis, and conclusions that stand up to scrutiny.

Led by a Member of the Institute of Acoustics
Trusted by developers, industry and public bodies across the UK
The challenge

Noise problems are expensive when they’re handled badly.

A weak noise assessment can stall a planning decision, trigger an enforcement notice, or leave you exposed to a complaint you can’t answer. Most issues come down to the same few failures:

Planning refused or delayed because the noise evidence didn't hold up.

Staff exposed above HSE limits, with no defensible records in place

Vibration affecting people or equipment, and no clear cause identified

A neighbour complaint escalating with nothing objective to rely on

How we help

Measurement, modelling and judgement — in plain English.

We combine accurate field measurement with predictive modelling and genuine professional judgement, then translate it into advice you and your stakeholders can act on. Every report is written to be understood by the people who’ll read it — and to be defended if it’s challenged.

  • Independent, conflict-free advice tailored to your project
  • Technical rigour proportionate to what’s actually at stake
  • Clear, defensible conclusions — not jargon for its own sake
  • State-of-the-art equipment and recognised assessment standards
What we do

Specialist noise & vibration services

Planning & Acoustic Design

Acoustic input at design stage — discharging planning conditions and getting the detail right the first time.

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Vibration Monitoring & Assessment

Source identification, monitoring and mitigation strategies for vibration affecting people, buildings or equipment.

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Hand-Arm & Whole-Body Vibration

HAVS and WBV exposure assessment, risk banding and control advice that protects your people and your position.

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Occupational Noise (HSE)

Workplace noise exposure assessments to keep you compliant with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations.

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Noise Modelling & Prediction

Predictive noise modelling using specialist software to test scenarios and de-risk decisions before you build.

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Noise Impact Assessment

Environmental noise assessments for planning and development — quantifying impact and setting out practical mitigation.

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What clients say

Advice that holds up when it matters

Led by a Member of the Institute of Acoustics

"Forth Noise & Vibration helped me with a noise submission for Dundee City Council and supported me through a complex situation from start to finish.

Arran’s work and expertise really stood out—everyone involved in the project recognised the quality and professionalism he brought. Their knowledge is unreal, and they’ve been incredibly supportive throughout."

Sarah Kelleher
Director, Tonic Pilates

"Very professional and efficient service. Highly recommended."

Kirsty Cleghorn
Director, Insperata Architecture
Get in touch

Have a noise or vibration challenge?

Tell us about your site, your deadline and the standard you need to meet. We’ll come back with a clear, fixed scope.

FAQs

Common questions

Do you cover my area?

We work across Scotland and throughout the UK. We’re an independent consultancy, so we can act on projects of any size — from a single residential complaint to large industrial and infrastructure schemes.

Assessments are prepared to the relevant British Standards and planning policy, with a clear methodology and defensible conclusions. Local authorities routinely accept our reports for planning applications and discharge of conditions.

We provide expert witness services for planning inquiries, appeals and civil disputes, including written evidence and appearances where required.

How quickly can you turn around an assessment?

Most assessments are completed within two to four weeks, depending on the scope, site access and monitoring requirements. If you have an urgent deadline, let us know and we’ll confirm what’s achievable.

We assess against the British Standards and guidance that apply to your project — including BS 4142, BS 8233, BS 5228, TAN 1/11 and relevant WHO, IEMA and IOA guidance. We’ll confirm the right standard at the outset.

Many planning assessments can start from drawings, noise source data and a site visit. Where background levels matter, we recommend a short monitoring survey so the conclusions stand up to scrutiny.

Need expert advice on noise or vibration?