"Over the years, PA systems have become higher quality and increasingly powerful - and therefore potentially louder. Whilst that may be what the dancers want in their club, or the rock fans want from their favourite band, local residents will probably have a contrary view, and a balance needs to be struck. Local councils are caught in the middle of these parties and have to appease the rights of residents, whilst hopefully allowing the leisure and events industry to earn a living . . . We find ourselves very busy working with promoters, venues, event organizers and councils to find acceptable solutions.
"The environmental impact from any venue or event is increasingly monitored, and sound is an issue that is raising its head more and more. This is partly due to the increased number of events using today's 'efficient' systems, partly because events are taking place in a wider range of venues, and partly because residents and councils are acutely aware of what can be considered 'acceptable noise levels'.
"I should point out that the developments in PA systems and the increasing professionalism of PA supply companies has helped us secure and keep licences for events. The use of line array systems, delayed speakers and control systems mean that systems can be designed to give good sound levels for the audience whilst minimizing noise spill. The new PA designs for Wembley Stadium, which we have worked on, are a great example of how careful PA design and acoustic planning can be employed to minimize disruption well in advance of the venue opening.
"Whilst a lot of our work is with major festivals, large outdoor concerts and arena tours, it's not only big festivals that have problems. The Bulls Head in Barnes is an intimate pub venue [capacity 120] with a long history of hosting jazz and blues artists that have recently included Alan Price and Zoot Money. An apartment block was built adjacent to the venue and within months the council were receiving complaints . . . We managed to find a series of affordable measures that included acoustic treatments to the lobby area, new windows and doors and changing the ventilation system to attenuate the sound."
"A renowned club we have worked with for many years is Heaven in Charing Cross. They've had a history of problems with noise from the music and people leaving the club. We have worked with them and their advisors, Pure, to implement an efficient PA design and acoustic treatments, whilst liaising with the council. The result - we have helped extend the licence to 3am, plus an all-night licence, through a series of measures and constructive dialogue.
Capita Symonds has been involved in two interesting and high profile licensing issues recently, which highlight the importance of dialogue between the councils and promoters or venue owners. In 2004, St Mary's Stadium [home of Southampton Football Club] applied for a licence to hold concerts in the closed season, which attracted opposition from local residents. Over months of meetings, we examined all the potential issues, completed detailed noise predictions with certain PA designs, reviewed the impact of load-in and sound check times and produced a comprehensive noise management plan. St Mary's has now been granted Planning permission to hold concerts this year the first of which will be Elton John, on 28 May.
"Another example of acoustic planning helping to secure a licence is the temporary Wembley Arena Pavilion. Relocating the 10,000 capacity Wembley Arena into a temporary facility meant that Brent Council had obvious concerns about the potential for noise pollution from the temporary structure. Our project manager, John Staunton, worked with the suppliers of the venue [Arena Str
