What was the challenge?

Golf World Stansted are proposing to install a large temporary marquee on its site to provide a space for events such as weddings, parties and conferences. The proposed marquee has a capacity of up to 600 guests and requires amplification of music and speech. To support the events space, an additional 100 car parking spaces and an external mechanical plant are also proposed.

The proposed development is located in a rural area where prevailing background noise levels are relatively low. The Local Authority required noise levels from events to be no greater than 10 dB below the background noise level in each octave band at the nearest receptors, which were around 110m away, resulting in challenging noise limits for the development to comply with.

The temporary structure provided significantly less sound reduction than that afforded by a permanent one, and as a result, additional noise control measures were required. Amplified music was also not the only new noise source associated with the proposed use, as assessments were also required for additional operational road traffic, car parking, mechanical plant and people/crowd noise.

What was our solution?

Temple undertook detailed noise breakout calculations based on the marquee structure to determine the maximum internal noise levels that the venue could operate at while still meeting Local Authority criteria. Several mitigation options/combinations were considered, including acoustic linings and directional speakers. The various mitigation options, along with the resulting noise limits, were presented to Golf World so they could select the option that best suited their needs.

External plant noise was calculated using a 3D noise model to determine the noise levels at the nearest noise sensitive receptors. Mitigation options, including a noise barrier and reducing the number of units running at night-time, were also considered in order to minimise impacts.

Temple also assessed road traffic and car park noise due to the increased number of people visiting the site. The assessment also considered noise from people in the proposed external seating area and within the car park when leaving at night.

How did we add value to the client?

Where detailed test data were not available, Temple was able to assess the sound reduction performance of the marquee using acoustic principles and clear and robust assumptions. The assessment also covered a range of mitigation scenarios to provide the client with a simple overview of the benefits of different products and solutions. Temple contacted the equipment suppliers for the mitigation measures so that they could also feed into the marquee design. Previous data captured by Temple was also used in the assessment of car park noise, for which there are no current standards or guidance.

What was the conclusion?

Temple provided additional support by meeting with the environmental health officers to provide clarification on some queries raised by the local authority on the noise submission. Following approval of the clarifications, planning permission was granted to the proposed development.