Background

Generally, industrial estates are built in designated zones with the aim to reduce the environmental and social impact on urban areas. Due to the demand for more housing in Dunstable, Chiltern Park Industrial Estate has gradually become surrounded by residential areas, as well as shops and businesses to cater to the increasing population.

A growing population, housing, and the infrastructure to support it all is bringing people and noise sources in closer proximity over time, while the growth of online shopping, 24-hour shopping and home deliveries increase the number of hours people can expect noise intrusion. Containing parcel depots, distribution centres, a trucking company, and several factories, environmental noise pollution from the industrial estate is significant. In addition to the clamour from the industrial estate, residents have to deal with the noise from Luton airport, situated less than 8 miles away.

According to recent research, the impact of noise pollution on physical health and wellbeing can be severe, with the European Environment Agency blaming 10,000 premature deaths in Europe each year on noise.

Solution

Jacksons Fencing supplied 61m of 6.5 and 7m-high Jakoustic® Commercial and Highway timber acoustic fencing suitable for business and industrial applications. The steel I-beam posts allow for greater heights with added strength and rigidity. The flat timber profile offers increased security with its anti-scale properties, while the natural timber façade provides residents with privacy by blocking the line of sight onto the industrial estate and providing a more pleasant timber barrier in its place. Jakoustic® Highway and Commercial fencing works well in large spaces, as it reflects sound away from the surface, mitigating environmental noise pollution for surrounding properties.

The installation was completed by Princebuild as part of a £1.4 million refurbishment within the site.

Jacksons' range of acoustic fencing and gates are covered by a 25-year guarantee. While the guarantee is beneficial in providing a long-term, cost-effective fencing solution, it also works towards achieving a sustainable future due to the materials used and the fact that it doesn’t have to be replaced as often. Jacksons acoustic products are suitable for commercial, residential and even high-security applications.