Southwark
L-shape rear dormer roof extension, Juliet balcony, single storey extension
Roof extension/ loft conversion
Development Type
Other developments
Borough
Southwark
Flat 45 Queens Court, 2 Old Jamaica Road, SE16 4ER (fourth floor)
Before
After
Installation of an external air conditioner condenser unit
Installation of an external air conditioner condenser unit and associated acoustic enclosure on the fourth floor balcony serving Flat 45.
4D Planning were instructed to assist the client with obtaining planning permission for an AC external condenser unit to a flat. The unit is not permitted development as it sits outside the property on the terrace. Therefore full planning permission was required. The landlord/ freeholders of the building insisted on planning permission being approved from Southwark Council for the works and unit. Our client instructed 4D Planning to prepare the architectural drawings, planning/ design and access statement and manage the application. We liaised with the planning officers and the environmental health officers to ensure they were satisfied and the application will be approved. The application was granted planning permission.
In the fast-paced urban environment of London, managing noise pollution while maintaining essential amenities is a challenge. A recent project by 4D Planning demonstrates how thoughtful planning and acoustic solutions can make a significant difference in gaining the necessary planning permissions and addressing environmental concerns. The project involved the installation of an external air conditioner condenser unit with an acoustic enclosure, granted planning permission by Southwark Council. This case study highlights the importance of noise control in city planning and how planning authorities evaluate proposals.
City areas like Southwark are densely populated, and residents and businesses alike often contend with a variety of environmental factors, including noise pollution. According to the World Health Organization, long-term exposure to noise pollution can lead to a variety of health problems, such as increased stress levels, sleep disturbances, and even cardiovascular disease. A study by the UK Noise Association reveals that over 50% of the UK population lives in areas where the noise levels exceed safe thresholds for health. As a result, local authorities and businesses must take proactive steps to mitigate noise in such urban environments.
When Southwark Council received a planning application for the installation of an external air conditioner condenser unit, concerns arose regarding potential noise pollution that could affect nearby residential properties. The proposed solution was to enclose the unit within an acoustic barrier designed to reduce noise emissions.
Acoustic enclosures are designed to reduce sound transmission by using soundproof materials and engineering strategies. They are commonly used in environments where machinery or equipment might cause disruptions in the surrounding area. The goal is to create a noise level that is within acceptable limits, ensuring the peace and well-being of the community.
The 4D Planning team worked closely with acoustic engineers to design an enclosure that would mitigate noise from the condenser unit, ensuring that sound levels were reduced to meet local planning regulations. These regulations typically specify that external noise should not exceed 10 decibels above the ambient noise level during the day and should be kept even lower at night.
The solution involved using a high-density acoustic barrier, which successfully brought down the noise levels generated by the air conditioning condenser to an acceptable range. The result was a significant reduction in the potential impact on surrounding residents while maintaining the functionality of the equipment.
One of the most important factors in securing planning permission from Southwark Council was presenting a robust case supported by sound technical evidence. This involved providing detailed acoustic reports, which highlighted the effectiveness of the proposed enclosure and demonstrated compliance with local noise ordinances.
In addition, the project team conducted consultations with local stakeholders to ensure the proposed solution addressed community concerns. According to the Planning Portal, approximately 70% of planning applications related to noise in the UK are approved when they demonstrate clear strategies for noise reduction.
After reviewing the application, Southwark Council granted planning permission, noting that the acoustic measures in place effectively mitigated noise concerns while adhering to the Council's policies on urban noise control.
This case study underscores the importance of balancing technological requirements with community concerns. By incorporating an acoustic enclosure, the project not only complied with planning rules and policies but also contributed to improving the quality of life for our client and other residents in the area.
Southwark
Roof extension/ loft conversion
Southwark
Roof terrace/ balcony
Southwark
Single storey extension
Southwark
Change of use
Southwark
Appeals
Southwark
Double storey extension
Southwark
Other developments
Southwark
Outbuilding/ Outhouses
Southwark
Double storey extension