318-320 smith street, collingwood, planning noise assessment · 318-320 smith street, collingwood,...

318-320 SMITH STREET, COLLINGWOOD, PLANNING NOISE ASSESSMENT

Rp 001 20170701 | 20 June 2017

http://www.marshallday.com

6 Gipps Street

Collingwood VIC 3066

Australia

T: +613 9416 1855

ABN: 53 470 077 191

www.marshallday.com

Project: 318-320 SMITH STREET – PLANNING NOISE ASSESSMENT

Prepared for: Orlcar Nominees 737 Mt Alexander Road Moonee Ponds VIC 3039

Attention: Mr Fred Pezzimenti

Report No.: Rp 001 20170701

Disclaimer

Reports produced by Marshall Day Acoustics Pty Ltd are based on a specific scope, conditions and limitations, as agreed between Marshall Day Acoustics and the Client. Information and/or report(s) prepared by Marshall Day Acoustics may not be suitable for uses other than the specific project. No parties other than the Client should use any information and/or report(s) without first conferring with Marshall Day Acoustics.

The advice given herein is for acoustic purposes only. Relevant authorities and experts should be consulted with regard to compliance with regulations or requirements governing areas other than acoustics.

Copyright

The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Marshall Day Acoustics Pty Ltd. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Marshall Day Acoustics constitutes an infringement of copyright. Information shall not be assigned to a third party without prior consent.

Document Control

Status: Rev: Comments Date: Author: Reviewer:

First - - 20/06/2017 SM GL

Cover Photo: © Hakan Dahlstrom


Rp 001 2017701_318-320 Smith Street_Collingwood_Planning Noise Assessment 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 5

2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Licensed venues .......................................................................................................................................... 6

2.2 Project description...................................................................................................................................... 6

2.3 Noise considerations .................................................................................................................................. 7

2.3.1 Impacts on the development from surrounding environment ........................................................... 7

2.3.2 Impacts from the development upon the surrounding environment ................................................ 7

3.0 LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES ................................................................................................................. 8

3.1 Victorian Legislation ................................................................................................................................... 8

3.2 Guidelines .................................................................................................................................................... 9

4.0 SITE NOISE AND VIBRATION SURVEYS .................................................................................................... 10

4.1 Background noise ..................................................................................................................................... 10

4.2 Music noise ............................................................................................................................................... 10

4.3 Traffic noise ............................................................................................................................................... 10

4.4 Tramway noise .......................................................................................................................................... 11

5.0 PRELIMINARY ACOUSTIC ASSESSMENT .................................................................................................. 12

5.1 Building envelope construction ............................................................................................................... 12

5.2 Better Apartments Design Standard ....................................................................................................... 13

5.3 Commercial tenancies outside of the development .............................................................................. 13

5.3.1 SEPP N-1 Limits ...................................................................................................................................... 13

5.4 Commercial tenancies within the development .................................................................................... 14

5.4.1 Building envelope .................................................................................................................................. 14

5.4.2 Music noise ............................................................................................................................................ 14

5.4.3 Commercial mechanical services ......................................................................................................... 14

5.5 Domestic mechanical equipment ............................................................................................................ 14

6.0 SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................. 15

APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMINOLOGY

APPENDIX B PLANNING MAP

APPENDIX C PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLANS

APPENDIX D LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES



APPENDIX E MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS

APPENDIX F UNATTENDED BACKGROUND MEASUREMENTS

APPENDIX G UNATTENDED MEASUREMENT RESULTS

APPENDIX H TRAM AND TRAFFIC SURVEY MEASUREMENT RESULTS



1.0 INTRODUCTION

It has been proposed to redevelop a site at 318-320 Smith Street which is currently occupied by a two storey building with commercial uses at ground level and residential accommodation at first floor level.

Orlcar Nominees has commissioned Marshall Day Acoustics to undertake a noise assessment of the proposed development, which consists of nine apartments arranged over four levels with a commercial tenancy at ground floor level. Car parking will not be provided.

This report provides details of relevant noise criteria, measurement surveys, predicted levels and recommended control treatments for the development.

A glossary of acoustic terminology is provided in Appendix A.

2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION

The proposed development is to be located on land at 318-320 Smith Street in Collingwood and is bounded by the following:

Commercial tenancies to the north

A laneway to the east with residential dwellings beyond

Commercial tenancies to the south

Smith Street to the west with commercial tenancies beyond.

An aerial photograph of the subject site and the surrounding environment is provided in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Aerial view of subject site (Source: NearMap)

Subject site



The subject site is in a Commercial Zone (C1Z) with Road (RDZ1), Mixed Use Zone (MUZ) and General Residential Zones (GRZ1 and GRZ2) in the immediate environs. The relevant planning map is provided in Appendix B.

2.1 Licensed venues

There are a number of licensed venues in the vicinity of the development, the nearest venues are as follows:

The Birmingham Hotel – approximately 38 m to the north west

Punters Palace – approximately 7 m to the south.

Publically available information available indicates that The Birmingham Hotel has allowance for live music performances in its Permit. However, the venue does not appear to operate as a live music venue and therefore is not considered to be subject to Particular Provision Clause 52.43 (Agent of Change).

It is understood that Punters Palace does not feature live music, and is likewise not considered to be subject to Clause 52.43.

2.2 Project description

The development consists of nine apartments and a commercial tenancy as follows:

Ground level commercial tenancy fronting on to Smith Street

Apartments to levels 1-5.

The apartments are defined as ‘Class 2 residential’ for the purposes of assessment under the Building Code of Australia. We understand the building is to be of concrete column and slab construction.

Architectural drawings of the proposed apartments provided by Splinter Society Architecture and Human Environments are provided in Appendix C.



2.3 Noise considerations

2.3.1 Impacts on the development from surrounding environment

The proposed residential development will be impacted by the following sources:

Tram noise from the adjacent tram way on Smith Street

Traffic noise from Smith Street and nearby local roads

Music noise from local licensed premises

Local commercial or industrial sites and associated operations (e.g. commercial deliveries or waste collection).

External rail and traffic noise insulation requirements to protect the amenity of future occupants will control the acoustic design of the building envelope. Noise from the other sources should comply with relevant statutory legislation or acceptable guidelines, as discussed herein.

2.3.2 Impacts from the development upon the surrounding environment

Noise from the proposed development has the potential to impact on existing residential uses in the surrounding area. These sources of noise include:

Fixed domestic plant

Centralised mechanical plant

Mechanical plant associated with commercial and retail tenancies within the development

Deliveries and waste collections.

Noise impacts from commercial tenancies will be addressed by individual tenants as necessary.



3.0 LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES

A range of guidelines and legislation is used in Victoria to assess environmental noise. This section provides an overview of the key documents and guidelines that are applicable to the proposed development.

3.1 Victorian Legislation

A summary of the relevant Victorian legislation is provided in Table 1. Refer to Appendix D for further details.

Table 1: Relevant Victorian noise legislation

Document Overview

Environment Protection Act 1970 (the Act)

The Act provides the overarching legislative framework for the protection of the environment in Victoria. It establishes obligations for the control of environmental noise and applies to all types of noise sources except rail operations. The legislation does not specify noise limit values, but sets out legal requirements to comply with State environment protection policies and prescribed standards.

State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Noise from Commerce, Industry and Trade) No. N-1 (SEPP N-1)

SEPP N-1 defines mandatory noise limits for commercial, industrial or trade premises in the Metropolitan Region of Melbourne.

The limits apply to the level of noise occurring at neighbouring sensitive receivers.

The noise limits are determined on the basis of land zoning and background noise levels, and are separately defined for day, evening and night periods.

Refer to Appendix D1 for further detail and noise limit derivation.

State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Music Noise from Public Premises) No. N-2 (SEPP N-2)

SEPP N-2 defines mandatory noise limits for music associated with public premises in the State of Victoria, including indoor and outdoor venues.

The limits apply to the level of noise occurring at neighbouring sensitive receivers.

Noise limits are determined on the basis of background noise levels, and are separately defined for day, evening and night periods.

Refer to Appendix D2 for further detail.

Better Apartments Design Standard

The proposed development will be required to comply with the requirements of the Better Apartments Design Standard, issued by the State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning in December 2016.

The Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes were amended in April 2017 to introduce the Better Apartments Design Standards

The standard requires that noise impacts associated with the development are adequately addressed. This includes external and internal noise sources.

Refer to Appendix D3 for further detail



3.2 Guidelines

A summary of relevant guidelines referenced in Victorian noise assessments is presented in Table 2.

Table 2: Relevant Victorian references and guidelines

Reference Overview

Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2107:2016 “Acoustics - Recommended design sound levels and reverberation times for building interiors” (AS 2107)

Provides recommendations for acceptable internal noise levels. Table 1 of AS 2107 presents the recommended internal noise levels for “houses and apartments near major roads”, which is considered to be applicable to the development site.


Sleep disturbance criteria sourced from NSW Road Noise Policy 2011

(Sleep disturbance criteria)

The provisions of this document are often referred to in Victoria for general guidance on potential sleep disturbance.

Based on a review of research into sleep disturbance, the NSW policy nominates maximum external night-time noise levels at noise sensitive locations which are unlikely to disturb sleep.


Victorian Passenger Rail Infrastructure Noise Policy

(VPRINP)

Released in April 2013. Section 5 of the policy sets out the conditions under which transport bodies must apply the policy.

The policy sets ‘investigation thresholds’ for the assessment of noise. These are noise levels, which if exceeded, indicate that noise mitigation should be considered.


EPA Publication 1254 Noise Control Guidelines

(EPA Guidelines)

Provides an overview of noise policies and legislation in Victoria for a range of different noise sources, and provides supplementary guidance for situations where there is no policy or legislation.

Refer to Appendix D8 and D9 for further detail.



4.0 SITE NOISE AND VIBRATION SURVEYS

The following sections detail noise and vibration measurements taken in the vicinity of the site.

4.1 Background noise

Background noise levels were measured on at the west side of the site. The measurement location is shown in Appendix E and full details of the methodology are included in Appendix F.

The measured background noise levels at the site are detailed in Table 3.

Table 3: Measured background noise levels

Day Evening Night

Background Noise Level, LA90, dB 55 55 47

4.2 Music noise

Attended observations of music noise were taken on Friday 16 June 2017 between 2300 and 0000 hrs. It was observed that music from venues in the vicinity was not audible at the boundary of the site during breaks in the traffic. The measurement locations are shown in Appendix E.

Publically available Information available indicates that The Birmingham Hotel is typically open until 0100 hrs and Punters Palace is open until 0300 hrs. Therefore traffic levels on Smith Street are likely to be lower when the venues close. This is not considered to be significant given that music was not audible when traffic on Smith Street was stopped.

An internal inspection indicated that both venues appeared to be operating in a manner which could be expected on a Friday evening.

The Punters Palace has a small outdoor area fronting on to Perry Street. Six patrons were observed in this area, music was not audible. Given the arrangement of the proposed dwellings (refer Appendix C), it is not expected that patron noise from this outdoor area will be significant at the development.

It is considered likely that venues in the vicinity would be operating in compliance with SEPP N-2 at the development.

4.3 Traffic noise

Traffic noise in the area was measured on Friday 16 June 2017 at a location representing the Smith Street facade of the proposed development. The measurement locations are shown in Appendix E and full details of the methodology are included in Appendix H. Measurement results are summarised in Table 4.

Table 4: Traffic noise measurement results

Position Octave band mid frequency

A 63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k Hz

Cars, trucks, motorcycles, trams and trains

Smith Street footpath:1500-1600 hrs* 67 75 68 64 63 62 59 52 dB

*emergency vehicle siren removed from results

The unattended data shows that the highest measured traffic level during the night is 64 dB LAeq. Therefore the facade design for bedrooms has been based on this overall level and the spectrum given in Table 4.



4.4 Tramway noise

Tram noise was measured over a one hour period on Friday 16 June 2017 at a location representing the Smith Street facade of the proposed development.

The measurement position is shown in Appendix E and a summary of measured noise levels is provided in Table 5.

Table 5: Summary of airborne rail noise levels

The above results show that the maximum noise levels from passing trams was 89 dB LAmax, thus exceeding the VPRINP investigation thresholds residential uses near an existing rail corridor.

The VPRINP requires the assessment to be based on the 95th percentile of the maximum measured rail noise (and vibration). The measured 95th percentile spectra used for the rail noise assessment at this development are presented in Table 6.

Table 6: 95th percentile maximum of all rail events - spectral results:

Position Octave band centre frequency (Hz)

A 63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k Hz

Smith Street, Lmax 89 94 86 87 90 86 80 75 dB

Description Noise Level dB LAmax

Tram passes (20 passes) 70 - 94

95th percentile maximum of all rail events 89



5.0 PRELIMINARY ACOUSTIC ASSESSMENT

The following sections detail preliminary noise control recommendations.

5.1 Building envelope construction

Traffic and tram noise exposure to the Smith Street facade of the development is considered to be high. Therefore acoustic treatment will be required.

As is the case for any building that is exposed to significant external noise, the design criteria will not be achieved with windows open, however, the apartment occupants have the option to close external windows and doors to significantly reduce noise intrusion.

Ventilation may be required in some rooms in order to allow the windows to remain closed. This should be addressed by the project mechanical consultant.

In general the glazing requirements for facades overlooking Smith Street are driven by the requirement to reduce maximum noise levels due to trams.

It is recommended that the acoustic insulation performance rating of the glazed facade elements, including both windows and doors, are demonstrated by the supplier(s) to meet the minimum requirement set out in Table 7.

The assessment assumes that non glazed portions of the facades including any lightweight walls and any roofs exposed to environmental noise shall have sound insulation performance significantly greater than that of the associated glazing system.

Table 7: Specific design considerations – indicative glazing requirements

Location Minimum sound insulation performance, Rw

Indicative glazing configuration

Western elevation

Living rooms Rw 38 6/12/8

Bedrooms (Lvl 1-5)

Rw 41 6/12/10.76 lam

In addition the following guidance should be noted with regard to other components of the facade.

External walls should ideally be formed of masonry or concrete. Any lightweight facade elements should ideally be constructed of one layer of 12 mm thick compressed fibre cement sheet, on 90 mm timber stud, with 50 mm thick cavity insulation and 2 layers of 13 mm thick plasterboard internally

Single sliding doors should be avoided for external areas where the required rating is higher than Rw 35. Hinged doors would be preferred, however where this is not practical a back-to-back double sliding door option could be explored

Openable doors and window systems must seal airtight when closed. Noise leakage via seal systems must be controlled with high quality compression seals and locks around the entire perimeter of the door and/or windows.

Any ventilation or extract openings must be appropriately treated as not to reduce the sound insulation performance of the facade.



5.2 Better Apartments Design Standard

The Better Apartments Design Standard will be addressed as follows:

The internal noise level criteria listed for Bedrooms and Living rooms overlooking Smith Street is in the middle of the range of noise levels recommended by AS2107. It is common practice to apply these noise level targets to quality apartment developments which are impacted by road traffic noise

The internal noise level criteria listed for Bedrooms and Living rooms overlooking the Smith Street is guided by the VPRINP and industry standard practice

In each case the industry standard internal noise level requirements are more stringent than would apply under the Better Apartments Design Standard

Apartment layouts and siting of building services plant can be adequately addressed during the Detailed Design stage of the project in accordance with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and other applicable standards and legislation

The site falls within the Noise influence Area due to the presence of the adjacent tram way and therefore requires the preparation of an acoustic report by a suitably qualified consultant. This report addresses this requirement.

Compliance with the requirements of the Better Apartments Design Standard will continue to be monitored throughout the Detailed Design stage of the project.

5.3 Commercial tenancies outside of the development

The site has commercial tenancies to the immediate north and south, as follows:

L&D One Hour Photo to the north

TAB to the south.

Inspection of aerial photographs show that there is no roof level plant associated with either premises.

During inspections, commercial noise was not audible on Smith Street, or in the laneway to the rear of the existing buildings.

There are three small air conditioning units at the rear of 326 Smith Street. These units are not likely to give rise to significant noise levels at the proposed development.

5.3.1 SEPP N-1 Limits

Table 8 details the SEPP N-1 day, evening and night noise limit for each period. A full derivation is provided in Appendix D1.3.

Table 8: SEPP N-1 periods and noise limits

Period Noise limit, dB Leff

Day 61

Evening 58

Night 50



5.4 Commercial tenancies within the development

Commercial tenancies are proposed on the ground floor of the development.

As detailed drawings including partition details and specific area uses have not been provided, this section nominates indicative solutions, however ultimately the commercial tenancies will require further analysis during the detailed design stage of the project.

5.4.1 Building envelope

The glazing for the commercial shop fronts should be of the order of 10.38 mm laminated glazing. This is considered sufficient to mitigate noise.

5.4.2 Music noise

Music noise emission from the ground floor commercial/retail space must comply with the SEPP N-2 noise limits at any dwelling within the subject site and beyond the site boundary.

Masonry construction and appropriate glazing will be sufficient to achieve compliance with the SEPP N-2 music noise limits at nearby dwellings and dwellings within the proposed development.

It will be the responsibility of the future tenant to comply with SEPP N-2.

5.4.3 Commercial mechanical services

At this stage, the type, capacity and location of commercial and centralised plant has not been established but is expected to include the following:

Air-conditioning condensing units and packaged air-conditioning units

Pumps

Boilers

Smoke spill fans.

Given the location of the proposed plantrooms and services zones, it is expected that noise emissions can be adequately controlled with the inclusion of conventional and readily available noise control treatments such as acoustic screens, enclosures and duct attenuators where required. Additionally, appropriate vibration isolation should be provide to all roof top mechanical services plant to control structure-borne noise transmission to apartments within the development.

5.5 Domestic mechanical equipment

Noise from plant and equipment specific to each apartment should be designed to comply with the requirements stipulated by the EPA Guideline 1254. Appendix D6 advises that during day and evening periods, operation shall not exceed background plus 5 dB and noise at night shall be inaudible within habitable spaces of the development, even with windows open.



6.0 SUMMARY

It is proposed to redevelop a site at 318-320 Smith Street which is currently occupied by a two storey building with commercial at ground level and residential accommodation at first floor level.

Orlcar Nominees has commissioned Marshall Day Acoustics to undertake a noise assessment of the proposed development, which consists of nine apartments arranged over four levels with a commercial tenancy at ground floor level. Car parking will not be provided.

MDA has carried out environmental noise and vibration assessment of the proposed development in accordance with the relevant Victorian EPA legislation, guidelines and accepted industry practice.

This assessment has been based on:

Existing noise conditions determined from measurement surveys at the site;

Limits determined in accordance with the relevant Victorian EPA legislation, guidelines and accepted industry practice.

It is considered that appropriate acoustic treatment can be implemented in the design in order to comply with the applicable noise criteria.



APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMINOLOGY

A-weighting The process by which noise levels are corrected to account for the non-linear frequency response of the human ear.

dB Decibel The unit of sound level.

LA90 The noise level exceeded for 90% of the measurement period, measured in dB. This is commonly referred to as the background noise level.

LA10 (t) The A-weighted noise level equalled or exceeded for 10% of the measurement period. This is commonly referred to as the average maximum noise level.

The suffix "t" represents the time period to which the noise level relates, e.g. (8 h) would represent a period of 8 hours, (15 min) would represent a period of 15 minutes and (2200-0700) would represent a measurement time between 10 pm and 7 am.

LAeq The equivalent continuous sound level. This is commonly referred to as the average noise level and is measured in dB.

LAmax The A-weighted maximum noise level. The highest noise level which occurs during the measurement period.

Sound Insulation When sound hits a surface, some of the sound energy travels through the material. ‘Sound insulation’ refers to ability of a material to stop sound travelling through it.

Rw Weighted Sound Reduction Index A single number rating of the sound insulation performance of a specific building element. Rw is measured in a laboratory. Rw is commonly used by manufacturers to describe the sound insulation performance of building elements such as plasterboard and concrete.

Hertz (Hz) Vibration can occur over a range of frequencies extending from the very low, such as the rumble of thunder, up to the very high such as the crash of cymbals. The frequency of vibration and sound is measured in hertz (Hz). Once hertz is one cycle per second. Structural Vibration is generally measured over the frequency range from 1Hz to 500Hz (0.5kHz).



APPENDIX B PLANNING MAP



APPENDIX C PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLANS



APPENDIX D LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES

D1 SEPP N-1

D1.1 Application

State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Noise from Commerce, Industry and Trade) No. N-1 (SEPP N-1) sets noise limits that apply to commercial, industrial and trade premises within the Melbourne metropolitan region. Compliance with SEPP N-1 is mandatory under section 46 of the Environment Protection Act 1970.

SEPP N-1 defines a ‘commercial, industrial and trade premises’ as:

any premises except:

(a) residential premises as defined in section 48A of the [Environment Protection] Act;

(b) a street or road, including every carriageway, footpath, reservation and traffic island on any street or road;

(c) a tram, light rail or railway line not being a siding, marshalling yard or maintenance depot of any tram, light rail or railway line; and

(d) [land situated at Luna Park, St Kilda].

Section 48A of the Act defines residential premises as:

any building or part of a building used as or for the purposes of a private residence or residential flat.

D1.2 Assessment methodology

SEPP N-1 is a policy and technical document. The Policy prescribes the methodology and measurement procedure used to determine applicable noise limits and assessment of compliance.

The Policy requires that proposed commercial premises be designed to comply with SEPP N-1 noise limits. Clause 16 of the Policy states:

Where it is planned to develop new commercial, industrial or trade premises, the premises shall be designed so that the noise emissions do not exceed the noise limits

Further, the occupier of commercial, industrial or trade premises has an ongoing obligation to meet the SEPP N-1 noise limits. Clause 15 of the Policy states:

where noise emissions from existing commercial, industrial or trade premises exceed the requirements set out in the Policy, steps shall be taken by the occupier to reduce the level of these noise emissions to, or below, the relevant Policy noise limits.

SEPP N-1 defines a ‘noise sensitive area’ as an area of land within 10m outside the external walls of:

a dwelling or residential building

a dormitory, ward or bedroom of a caretaker's house, hospital, hotel, institutional home, motel, reformative institution, tourist establishment or work release hostel.

The assessment of noise from the subject site under SEPP N-1 is based on the calculation of a noise limit at a receiver position, taking into account a zoning noise level derived from the land zoning types in the surrounding area and the background noise level.

Once a noise limit is established, the noise level (LAeq) due to the commercial premises is measured or predicted. If necessary, the LAeq noise level is adjusted for noise character and duration to give the effective noise level (Leff). If the Leff level exceeds the noise limit, then remedial action is required.



D1.3 Calculation of noise limits

SEPP N-1 noise limits are calculated taking into account land ‘zoning types’ within a 70 m and 200 m radius of a noise sensitive building. Zoning types are categorised as type 1, 2 or 3.1 A prescribed formula is used to calculate a corresponding Zoning Level. In general, zone type designations are as follows.

areas such as residential, rural and open space are type 1;

areas such as commercial, business and light industry are type 2; and

areas such as general industry and major roads are type 3.

Greater areas of type 2 and 3 land within a 200 m radius of a noise sensitive site result in higher Zoning Levels than a site with respectively larger areas of type 1 land.

The SEPP N-1 Noise Limit is equal to the ‘zoning level’ unless the background level at the noise sensitive site is categorised as low or high according to Clause B3 of the Policy. If the background level is low or high, the Noise Limit is calculated from a formula taking into account the Zoning Level and the Background Level.

The limits are separately defined for the day, evening and night periods as defined in Table 9.

Table 9: SEPP N-1 time periods and noise limits

Period Day of week Start time

End time

Measured background,

LA90 dB

Zoning level,

dB

Background relative to

zoning level

Noise limit, Leff dB

Day Monday-Friday 0700 hrs 1800 hrs 55 58 High 61

Saturday 0700 hrs 1300 hrs

Evening Monday-Friday 1800 hrs 2200 hrs 55 52 High 58

Saturday 1300 hrs 2200 hrs

Sunday, Public holidays

0700 hrs 2200 hrs

Night Monday-Sunday 2200 hrs 0700 hrs 47 47 High 50

1 EPA Publication no.: 316a, 17 February 2000, Designation of Types of Zones and Reservations in the Metropolitan Region Planning Schemes for the Purposes of State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Noise from Commerce, Industry and Trade) No. N-1 <http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/publications/publication/2000/february/316a>



D2 SEPP N-2

Music noise from entertainment venues is controlled by State Environment Protection Policy (Control of Music Noise from Public Premises) No. N-2 (SEPP N-2). Compliance with SEPP N-2 is mandatory under section 46 of the Environment Protection Act 1970.

Clause 20 of SEPP N-2 provides that:

Where the level of music noise from indoor or outdoor venues exceeds the noise limit, steps shall be taken by the occupier to reduce those levels to, or below, the noise limit.

SEPP N-2 sets noise limits that must be achieved in a ‘noise sensitive area’. The Policy defines a noise sensitive area as:

(a) that part of the land within the apparent boundaries of any piece of land which is within a distance of 10 metres outside the external walls of any of the following buildings:

Dwelling (except Caretaker's House), [or] Residential Building.

(b) that part of the land within the apparent boundaries of any piece of land on which is situated any of the following buildings which is within a distance of 10 metres outside the external walls of any dormitory, ward or bedroom of such buildings:

Caretaker's house, Hospital, Hotel, Institutional Home Motel, Reformative Institution, Tourist Establishment, Work Release Hostel.

For indoor venues, SEPP N-2 sets noise limits as shown in Table 10.

Table 10: SEPP N-2 criteria (music on more than 3 nights per week)

Time period Noise limit

Day/Evening Saturday 1000 - 2200hrs

Sunday 1200 - 2100hrs

Other 0900 - 2200hrs

Music noise (LAeq) not permitted to exceed background noise (LA90) plus 5dB

Night Saturday 2200 - 1200hrs

Sunday 2100 - 0900hrs

Other 2200 - 0900hrs

Music noise (LOCT10) is not permitted to exceed the background noise level (LOCT90) by more than 8dB in any octave band (63Hz-4kHz) at a noise-sensitive area



D3 Better Apartments Design Standard

OBJECTIVES

To contain noise sources in developments that may affect existing dwellings.

To protect residents from external and internal noise sources.

STANDARD

The layout of new dwellings and buildings should minimise noise transmission within the site.

The location of noise sensitive rooms (such as living area and bedrooms) and private open space should take account of:

The layout of adjoining dwellings, and

The location of mechanical plant, lifts, building services, non-residential uses, car parking and communal areas.

Noise sources, such as mechanical plant should not be located near bedrooms or immediately adjacent dwellings.

New dwellings should be designed and constructed to include acoustic attenuation measures to reduce noise levels from off-site noise sources.

A building within a noise influence area specified in Table 11 should be designed and constructed to achieve the following noise levels:

Not greater than 35 dB for bedrooms, assessed as an LAeq, 8h from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am

Not greater than 40 dB for living areas, assessed as an LAeq, 16h from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

This does not apply to a building, or part of a building that is obstructed by an existing solid building or works or the natural topography of the land.

Noise levels should be measured in an unfurnished and finished floor with the windows closed.

Table 11: Noise influence area

Noise source Noise influence area

Zone interface

Industrial zone 1, 2 & 3 300 m to the zone boundary

Road

Freeways and tollways 300 m

Other roads 300 m and carrying 40,000 Annual Average Daily Traffic Volume

Railway

Railway servicing passengers in Victoria 80 m

Railway servicing freight in non-Metropolitan Melbourne 80 m

Railway servicing freight in Metropolitan Melbourne 135 m



DECISION GUIDELINES

Before deciding on an application, the responsible authority must consider:

The design response

An acoustic report by a suitably qualified consultant submitted with the application or demonstration that the design treatment incorporated into the development meets the noise levels

Whether the impact of potential noise sources within a development have been mitigated through design, location and siting

Whether the layout of rooms within a dwelling mitigates noise transfer within and between dwellings

Whether an alternative design meets the relevant objectives having regard to the amenity of the dwelling and the site context.

D4 Environmental noise

Australian Standard 2107-2016 Acoustics - Recommended design sound levels and reverberation times for building interiors provides recommendations for acceptable internal noise levels. Table 12 shows the recommended internal design sound levels stated in AS2107 for “houses and apartments in inner city areas or entertainment districts or near major roads”, which is considered to be applicable to the proposed development.

Table 12: AS2107 recommended internal noise levels

Area Recommended design sound level range, dB LAeq

Living areas 35-45

Sleeping areas 35-40

Work areas 35-45

Apartment common areas (eg, lobbies) 45-50

Compliance with the lower level is preferred, but compliance with the maximum noise level is considered to be acceptable.

AS2107 does not specify the measurement procedure to determine whether compliance has been achieved but does state the following:

In situations where traffic (or other) noise levels may vary widely over a 24-hour period, measurements to assess compliance with this Standard should be taken at the relevant time according to the area of occupancy or activity in the building.

Given the above, it could be argued that compliance measurements for bedrooms should be made during the period between 2200-0700hrs (commonly referred to as the night period), although this does not allow for those occupants who may be shift workers or such like that may have a requirement to sleep during the day. For living and dining rooms, the compliance measurement should be made during the period between 0700-2200hrs (commonly referred to as the day/evening period).

Further, AS2107 does not specify the noise measurement duration. It is recommended that compliance generally be assessed based on the typical worst-case 15-minute LAeq noise level throughout the relevant time period (eg, night-time for bedrooms).



Higher quality developments should obviously aim to achieve lower levels of traffic noise intrusion. MDA’s project experience shows that if internal noise levels in bedrooms or living areas exceed an hourly average of approximately 40dB LAeq that the level of occupant dissatisfaction is likely to be relatively high.

An internal level of 35dB LAeq within bedrooms at night has been selected in this case.

Australian Standard 3671-1989 Acoustics – Road traffic noise intrusion (AS3671) provides recommended minimum façade constructions based on measured road traffic noise levels. Four categories of construction, determined by the amount of traffic noise reduction (TNR) expected, are identified. Table 13 details the AS3671 construction categories.

Table 13: AS3671 construction categories

Category Description Expected TNR – dB (A)

1 Standard construction; openings, including open windows and doors may comprise up to 10% of the exposed façade.

10

2 Standard construction, except for lightweight elements such as fibrous cement, metal cladding or all-glass façades. Windows, doors and other openings must be closed.

25

3 Special construction, windows, doors and other openings must be closed.

25-35

4 Specialist acoustic advice should be sought >35

D5 Sleep Disturbance

The NSW Road Noise Policy 2011 produced by the NSW EPA, provides guidance on potential for sleep disturbance. While the Policy applies strictly only in NSW, the provisions of the document are often referred to in Victoria for general guidance on potential sleep disturbance.

The NSW policy notes that from the research on sleep disturbance to date it can be concluded that:

maximum internal noise levels below 50–55dB LAmax are unlikely to awaken people from sleep

one or two noise events per night, with maximum internal noise levels of 65–70dB LAmax, are not likely to affect health and wellbeing significantly.

D6 Apartment air-conditioning plant noise criteria

Noise from fixed domestic plant associated with residential properties must comply with the requirements of the Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations 2008 (Statutory Rule No.121/2008) which sets out provisions for control of noise from domestic appliances including motorized equipment, electric power equipment, domestic air-conditioning plant, swimming pool pumps and musical equipment, whether amplified or not.

The regulation does not prescribe noise limits for the equipment, but it does prescribe allowable hours of operation for the purposes of determining whether noise is ‘unreasonable’ at residential premises under Section 48A(5) of the Environment Protection Act 1970.

The Environment and Protection (Residential Noise) regulation 2008 is the only legislation regarding residential noise in the State of Victoria.

Group 3 of the schedule of prescribed items covers domestic air-conditioners and domestic heating equipment, and prohibits hours of operation as follows:



• Monday to Friday: before 0700hrs and after 2200hrs

• Weekends and Public Holidays: before 0900hrs and after 2200hrs

Notwithstanding the above requirements, it is not always practical to turn off air-conditioning units during the night-time hours. If noise was inaudible inside any residence, then Section 48A (5) of the Environment Protection Act would effectively be achieved.

This is consistent with Section 1 of EPA Publication 1254, Noise Control Guidelines which provides recommended noise limits for fixed domestic plant.

These Noise Control Guidelines are used by local authorities and municipal councils to assess noise issues and recommend the following:

Day and evening operation

Where noise from any fixed domestic plant occurs beyond the residential property boundary, the broadband intrusive noise resulting from its use shall not exceed the background noise level by more than 5dB when measured at the property boundary.

Night operation

The noise from fixed domestic plant must not be audible within a habitable room of any other residence (regardless of whether any door or window giving access to the room is open) during prohibited hours.

D7 Railway noise

The Victorian Passenger Rail Infrastructure Noise Policy was released in April 2013. Section 5 of the policy sets out the conditions under which transport bodies must apply the policy.

The policy sets ‘investigation thresholds’ for the assessment of noise. These are noise levels, which if exceeded, indicate that noise mitigation should be considered. It states that:

In considering changing land use near an existing passenger rail corridor, transport bodies and planning authorities should consider the receivers set out in Table B in Attachment 2. Transport bodies and planning authorities should consider whether the noise level produced at these receivers will exceed the investigation thresholds for the periods specified in Table B in Attachment 2. [Table B of Attachment 2 is reproduced below as Table 14 in this report.]

If an assessment shows the investigation thresholds are not exceeded, noise impacts should be considered a secondary matter. This means no further action need be considered under this policy.

The investigation thresholds are defined in terms of:

LAeq,16h – equivalent continuous daytime (0600-2200hrs) noise level

LAeq,8h – equivalent continuous night-time (2200-0600hrs) noise level

LAmax – maximum noise level.

Investigation thresholds for the redevelopment of land near existing rail infrastructure are presented in Table 14.



Table 14: Investigation thresholds for changing allowable land use near an existing rail corridor

Time Type of receiver Investigation thresholds

Daytime

(0600-2200hrs)

Residential dwellings including aged person homes, hospitals, motels, caravan parks, and other buildings where people sleep.

Noise sensitive community buildings including schools, kindergartens, libraries

65dB LAeq,16h

or 85dB LAmax

Night-time

(2200-0600hrs)

Residential dwellings including aged person homes, hospitals, motels, caravan parks, and other buildings where people sleep.

60dB LAeq,8h or 85dB LAmax

The investigation thresholds are not design criteria. However, should the investigation thresholds be exceeded, then the following internal design criteria are recommended:

Bedrooms: 55 dB LAmax

Other living areas: 60 dB LAmax

Shops/offices: 60 dB LAmax

The VPRINP requires the maximum railway noise be based on the 95th percentile of the maximum for all measured events.

These limits are based on a precedent set in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) regarding acceptable internal noise levels for residences adjacent to Tramway lines (Reference No. P2470/2003). In this case, a decision to grant a permit was made on the basis that the noise level of trains was not to exceed 55dB LAmax in bedrooms and 60dB LAmax in living areas. These levels were based on the commonly-used criteria for sleep disturbance taken from the NSW Road Noise Policy discussed in Section 6.5.

Since 2003, there have been two VCAT decisions which have recommended an internal noise limit of 50dB LAmax in bedrooms. However, there is no compelling case for the lower criterion as the decisions were not based on objective evidence presented to the Tribunal and are, in MDA’s opinion, unnecessarily restrictive. 55dB LAmax is very close to the threshold of onset for noise-related sleep disturbance, and there is almost no significant difference (<1%) in reported levels of sleep disturbance between 55dB LAmax and 50dB LAmax.

The 55dB LAmax criterion has now been accepted by Public Transport Victoria (PTV) in a letter dated 18 October 2012, in relation to a residential development in Braybrook. Further details can be provided upon request.

D8 Waste collection

EPA Publication 1254 Noise Control Guidelines provides the following recommendations for industrial waste collections:

Refuse bins should be located at sites that provide minimal annoyance to residential premises

Compaction should be carried out while the vehicle is moving

Bottles should not be broken up at the collection site

Routes which service predominantly residential areas should be altered regularly to reduce early morning disturbances

Noisy verbal communication between operators should be avoided where possible.



The following schedule of acceptable times for waste collection is also provided in the EPA Noise Control Guidelines:

One collection per week

6:30am-8pm Monday to Saturday

9am-8pm Sunday and public holidays

Two or more collections per week

7am-8pm Monday to Saturday

9am-8pm Sunday and public holidays.

It is recommended that waste disposal activities adhere to the above guidelines and procedures.

D9 Deliveries

EPA (Vic) publication no.: 1254, Noise Control Guidelines states the following concerning store deliveries:

Where a residential area will be impacted by noise from deliveries, the deliveries should be inaudible in a habitable room of any residential premises (regardless of whether any door or window giving access to the room is open) outside the hours contained in the schedule

Schedule: Deliveries to shops, supermarkets & service stations

7 am-10 pm Monday to Saturday

9 am-10 pm Sundays and Public Holidays.



APPENDIX E MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS

Attended noise monitoring locations

Unattended noise monitoring location



APPENDIX F UNATTENDED BACKGROUND MEASUREMENTS

Background noise levels at the site were measured at the western side of the existing building using a Rion NL-31 precision integrating sound level meter fitted with a windshield.

The microphone was mounted on a tripod on the first floor canopy at a height of approximately 1.5 m above the structure and approximated 4 m above local ground level under freefield conditions.

Measurements were obtained using the ‘F’ response time and A-weighting frequency network. The equipment was checked before and after the survey and no significant calibration drifts were observed.

Consecutive measurements were obtained between 1400 hrs on Friday 16 and 0900 hrs on Monday 19 June 2017.

The prevailing noise environment when consultants attended site to install and collect the equipment was dominated by road traffic on Smith Street.

Figure 2: Unattended noise monitoring location

Table 15 provides a summary of the measured background noise levels and the results are presented graphically in Appendix G.

Table 15: Background noise levels

Description Average Background Noise Level, dB LA90

Day Evening Night

Friday, 16 Jun 2017 - 58 53

Saturday, 17 Jun 2017 57 57 52

Sunday, 18 Jun 2017 55 55 47

Monday, 19 Jun 2017 - - -

Minimum 55 55 47



APPENDIX G UNATTENDED MEASUREMENT RESULTS



30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

Sat

17

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7 -

00

:00

12

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Sun

18

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7 -

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12

:00

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n 1

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17

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0:0

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sure

d N

ois

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vel,

dB

Date/Time

Ambient noise level - dB LAeq, 30mins

Maximum noise level - dB LAmax

Background noise level - dB LA90, 30mins



APPENDIX H TRAM AND TRAFFIC SURVEY MEASUREMENT RESULTS

Ambient tram and traffic noise levels were measured using Brüel and Kjær Type 2250 precision integrating sound level meter fitted with windshield.

The microphone was mounted on a tripod at a height of approximately 1.5 m above local ground level under free-field conditions. The measurement locations are shown in Appendix E.

Measurements were obtained using the ‘F’ response time and A-weighting frequency network. The equipment was checked before and after the survey and no significant calibration drifts were observed.

The measurement locations were chosen to achieve maximum exposure to noise from traffic and trams.

Consecutive measurements were obtained between 1400 hrs and 1500 hrs on Friday 16 June 2017.

The prevailing noise environment was dominated by road traffic on Smith Street.

Figure 3: Attended noise monitoring location


318-320 smith street, collingwood, planning noise assessment · 318-320 smith street, collingwood,...

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