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Planning Consultation Guidance Notes

9. Ground borne vibration

9.1. Introduction to the section

Although ground borne vibration issues are not encountered frequently in the planning process, it is something that should be considered where the development would lead to vibration sensitive premises being in close proximity to industrial/commercial activities or to railway lines.

Because of the uncertainties involved in predicting vibration effects, each case will be considered individually, and appropriate criteria agreed.

9.2.Vibration surveys

In circumstances where vibration is a potential source of disturbance, it is expected that an appropriate vibration survey or prediction be carried out. Initially, to avoid complex investigations being carried out unnecessarily a screening survey should be carried out. If monitored vibration levels do not exceed 0.14 mm/s peak particle velocity in any axis, then no further survey is necessary. If this level is exceeded, then it is expected that an assessment would be carried out with reference to BS 6472.

When considering potential impacts and mitigation of vibration, the assessment should consider both the peak particle velocity (PPV) and vibration dose values (VDV) as indicators of potential impact and disturbance. The assessment should consider variations between daytime and night-time vibration and whilst the VDV will give an indication of possible response to vibration the variation in PPV may be a critical concern particularly at night.

Where re-radiated noise is a potential problem then this should also be assessed. Data from these assessments should be made available to us for consideration.

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