Challenge

Located on the west side of Cannon Lane, Tonbridge is a new retail complex featuring several large retailers such as Marks & Spencer and Halfords. The site is located close to existing residential properties at Mill Bank and Mill Crescent with a row of trees and bushes and a mesh fence previously separating the site loading depot and local residents.

Since opening, significant noise disturbances have emanated from the premises as a result of commercial activities such as the coming and going of heavy goods vehicles throughout all hours of the day, and the loading and unloading of pallets.

To alleviate noise disturbances and light pollution to local residents, the decision was made to replace the existing mesh fence with an acoustic fence on the northern boundary located nearest to the residential properties.

Solution

Jacksons Fencing was chosen to supply 127m of 3.5m-high Jakoustic® Reflective fencing plus one pedestrian gate to allow access beyond the barrier. The acoustic fence formed a more effective sound barrier than the previous mesh fencing, helped in part by its closeness to the storage areas which were the main source of noise.

Key Jakoustic® Reflective features include:

  • 34mm-thick “V” boards which help to reduce noise by up to 28dB*
  • An attractive timber structure with anti-climb design and providing high privacy
  • Jacksons Fencing’s 25-year Jakcure® timber guarantee

* Jakoustic® barrier certified laboratory results: rating according to BS EN 1793-2:1998 Category = B3 Laboratory sound reduction 28 dB Superficial mass 25kg/m²

Outcome

Since installation the acoustic fencing has helped to reduce noise and light pollution for neighbouring properties as well as increasing security and privacy for both local residents and commercial properties alike.