• Fact: The population of the UK is estimated to reach 71 million by 2031, at which point the population density per square kilometre is projected to be 464 – that’s almost double that of Germany and quadruple that of France

• Fact: In 1998 the total number of motor vehicles in the UK stood at 30.2 million units by 2008 it had hit 35 million

• Fact: 75% of domestic tonnage is transported by road in the UK 

• Fact: Government is committed to spending £41bn on the redevelopment and building of secondary and primary schools  - and £235 m on the development and redevelopment of 3,500 playgrounds

These statistics represent just a few of the myriad of factors contributing to the growing problem of noise pollution in our society today.  Unacceptable noise levels cause stress, annoyance and fatigue, interference with communication and sleep patterns as well as the obvious potential damage to hearing (in America over 10 million people owe their hearing impairment to noise exposure).  And whilst it has long been recognised that levels of noise exceeding safe limits can be detrimental to hearing, this year the World Health Organisation published new findings linking exposure to excess noise (anything over 50 decibels), to high blood pressure, strokes and even heart attacks.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990, The Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993 and the Control of Pollution Act 1974, define the statutory position in relation to noise arising from site activity during the planning, demolition and construction phases. Planning Policy Guidance 24 (PPG24) issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government, guides local authorities in England on the use of their planning powers to minimise the adverse impact of noise in developments. It outlines the considerations to be taken into account in determining planning applications both for noise-sensitive developments and for those activities, which generate noise. However, PPG 24 also recognises that noise is a necessary by-product of development and accepts the positives associated with the creation of jobs and the construction / improvement of essential infrastructure.

PPG24 details a number of measures that can be introduced to control the source of, or limit exposure to, noise and this includes ‘the containment of noise generated’ which can be achieved by the provision of ‘purpose-built barriers around the site’.

Environmental noise barriers were first introduced on UK motorways, to mitigate noise and views of traffic.  This type of barrier has now become a feature on our landscape, specifically where development is likely to be affected by adverse noise emanating from a variety of sources including road, rail, industrial, retail – even the heightened sound levels attributed to school playground activity. But although it is widely accepted that steps must be taken to improve the acoustic performance of perimeter barriers surrounding a development site, the response from the community is likely to be negative if the designated barrier lacks aesthetic appeal and is incongruous with the local landscape. 

With the impending explosion of development activity linked to the London 2012 Games, it would appear that noise pollution is likely to become an increasingly critical item on the construction industry agenda – so effective solutions are required to satisfy current legislation requirements.

Acoustic barriers represent a direct response to the growing and fundamental need to reduce noise egress and provide a barrier that delivers an attractive fencing legacy. Certified laboratory results have proved the Jakoustic Barrier solution from Jacksons Fencing is capable of reducing noise levels by as much as 32 decibels. The success of the system is based on the unique timber ‘tuning fork’ type posts and 125 mm x 34 mm boards that feature an interlocking ‘vee’ coupled with a tongue and groove.  This design eliminates the gaps which sound is able to travel through, even when the board shrinks and expands in response to changes in the weather.  The portfolio extends to the provision of gates to ensure vital access control does not impede the efficacy of the overall noise reduction system and is available in three model variants: Jakoustic Reflective for most industrial / residential requirements; Jakoustic Plus Absorptive which features the extra noise protection of an additional layer of absorptive material contained within an acoustic membrane and Jakoustic Highway, specifically designed to satisfy stringent highway standards in virtually any height with galvanized steel posts.

For further information, please contact Jacksons Fencing,
www.jacksons-security.co.uk, Tel 01233 750393