From planning applications to workplace compliance and noise complaints, we deliver clear measurement, proportionate analysis, and conclusions that stand up to scrutiny.
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
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.
Acoustic input at design stage — discharging planning conditions and getting the detail right the first time.
Source identification, monitoring and mitigation strategies for vibration affecting people, buildings or equipment.
HAVS and WBV exposure assessment, risk banding and control advice that protects your people and your position.
Workplace noise exposure assessments to keep you compliant with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations.
Predictive noise modelling using specialist software to test scenarios and de-risk decisions before you build.
Environmental noise assessments for planning and development — quantifying impact and setting out practical mitigation.
"They cut through a noise objection that had stalled our application for months. The report was clear, robust, and the planners accepted it without question."
"Pragmatic and genuinely expert. They told us what we actually needed rather than over-engineering it, and our workplace noise records are now fully defensible."
"Responsive, independent and easy to deal with. They identified the vibration source quickly and gave us a clear path to fix it."
"Forth Noise gave us a planning condition discharge that stood up to scrutiny. Clear advice, tight timescales, and no last-minute surprises."
"They cut through a noise objection that had stalled our application for months. The report was clear, robust, and the planners accepted it without question."
"Pragmatic and genuinely expert. They told us what we actually needed rather than over-engineering it, and our workplace noise records are now fully defensible."
"Responsive, independent and easy to deal with. They identified the vibration source quickly and gave us a clear path to fix it."
"Forth Noise gave us a planning condition discharge that stood up to scrutiny. Clear advice, tight timescales, and no last-minute surprises."
How we isolate cause from symptom on a live site.
The records you need before an HSE inspection.
Noise reports can be delayed or challenged for several recurring reasons. Here's what decision-makers need to see — and how to give it to them first time.
Tell us about your site, your deadline and the standard you need to meet. We’ll come back with a clear, fixed scope.
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.
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.
