The village of Rackheath lies to the northeast of Norwich and is part of Broadland District Council’s “growth triangle”.  In 2009 it was identified as one of a dozen proposed sites to create a carbon-neutral eco-community. The government subsequently withdrew this particular programme, but in 2016 a new masterplan was published.

The three developers consisted of Building Partnerships, Barratt Homes and Broadland District Council .  Core features of the development included up to 4000 new homes, a secondary school and two new primary schools, an employment area, waste recycling, recreation grounds and a health and social care facility.  Provision for new road infrastructure was also required.

The site lies close to the Norwich-Cromer railway line and the Norwich Northern Distributor Road dual carriageway. Part of the area also includes a disused airfield.

As part of the masterplanning process, we were approached as acoustic consultants. Our office is located only five miles from Rackheath and we had previously carried out surveys of traffic, rail and industrial noise in the region. Noise assessments were required in different locations and to support our analysis we built a 3D model using CadnaA software.

Through regular meetings with the client as well as internal discussions, we are able to offer innovative suggestions to ensure that masterplans such as this are developed with acoustics in mind.  Not only does this assist in protecting future noise-sensitive uses, but it also provides many opportunities for cost savings by reducing the requirements for building envelope sound insulation later in the project. 

Client: Broadland District Council
Developers: Barratt Homes / Broadland District Council / Building Partnerships
Contract value: £650m

Image credits: Google / Building Partnerships / Broadland District Council