Expert Witnessing
ADC's consultants have excellent reputations as expert witnesses.
At the initial opinion stage, we will have no hesitation advising a client if, in our view, they have a poor case as far as noise is concerned. Otherwise we will employ our considerable resources and analytical skills to establish and present impartial evidence at negotiations, council meetings, public inquiries, licensing hearings, and courts at all levels.
The range of work is quite varied and clearly links closely with other areas.
ADC's services include the following:
- Planning and Licensing. See our page on Planning and Licensing. For when representations are required at council meetings, or appeals are to be heard, all of ADC's senior consultants have a vast range of experience with preparing and presenting noise evidence at public enquiries and courts of all types. We are also experienced with meetings of experts, negotiation, conditions and costs.
- Noise Nuisance: These cases arise usually as a result of a complaint, either directly, or via the Local Authority about noise of any type. Common examples are industrial noise, music noise from pubs and clubs, noise from patrons associated with pubs and clubs, etc. Also domestic noise problems are on the increase, such as from music, barking dogs, etc. Very often the problems can be resolved through management or by noise control. See our page on Environmental Noise. When this is not practicable, however, our consultants have vast experience of preparing and presenting noise evidence at magistrates and crown courts, as well as civil courts.
- Building Disputes: A common example of this is an alleged noise nuisance within a building. It could be due to excessive noise, or poor sound insulation, or a combination of the two.
- Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): Often referred to as industrial deafness, an Ear Nose and Throat consultant will usually identify if the type of hearing damage is likely to have been noise-induced and, together with the acoustic report, a case can be built or contested. The main challenge is usually modelling or estimating the level of exposure. In the case of conventional hearing loss, which usually builds up over many years, we will need to model the lifetime exposure and apportion it between employers and their own leisure time.
- Acoustic shock: Acoustic shock is often confused with Acoustic Trauma, but is quite different. See our page on Acoustic Shock. The "shock" element is as important as the noise level of the incident and it is the unexpected nature of it that is largely responsible for the adverse effects. Cases often rely on a lot of other evidence as the sudden nature of the incident can rarely be replicated for analysis.
CLIENTS FEEDBACK
Testimonials
"I've worked with lots of acoustic consultants over the years and you guys are easily the best"
Burlow Engineering, Bury
"ADC are an efficient, cost effective acoustic consultancy. They always offer solutions rather than presenting problems. I am always happy to recommend them to my clients"
RGP Architects, Manchester
"ADC's report is excellent. No more comments from me"
Maghull Group,
"The reason we won the case was in no small part down to your efforts. Your proof of evidence was outstandingly the best and your performance on the stand was impeccable"
Planning and Law,
"Thanks a million for this work, it's excellent. I think we will make your trip to Dublin an annual event as I like your approach and your practical solutions"
Unilever Foods, Dublin
"Thank you Mr Raymond. Next time I need a great noise expert for a licensing hearing, I'll certainly recommend you to my instructing solicitor"
Barrister,
"Thanks for the noise control seminar, it was really enjoyable and as you can tell by the questions asked, everyone learnt so much from it"
Centrica Business Solutions,
"Many thanks again for your expert assistance with our case. You came across as knowledgeable, honest and fair - unlike your opposite number!"
West Lancashire Borough Council,
"I have worked with Andrew Raymond as an expert on noise issues in connection with planning inquiry work. His work and the presentation of his evidence is always of a high quality. He responds very quickly. Above all he always takes a pragmatic and commercial approach to solutions, and this is very much appreciated by clients."
Cobbetts Solicitors,
"I think we've made a breakthrough with thanks to you! You seemed to have swayed opinion Environmental Health Dept! I am so grateful for your time and effort on our behalf. This has all been a bit trying and you were like a ray of sunshine on the proceedings!"
Private Developer,
"Philip gave the best presentation I have seen, or to be more accurate heard, in a long time. He gives you a remarkable and wholly practical demonstration of the effects of good, and bad, sound insulation in buildings.”
Poole Dick Associates,
"Professional, knowledgeable and cooperative – fellow consultants ADC Acoustics have been a pleasure to work with and are an asset to any design team, providing a comprehensive service with the expertise to solve even the most complex of acoustic related issues"
Brewster Bye Architects, Leeds
"I run a commercial planning law practice, and I act for commercial clients. These clients expect their interests to be represented in an efficient and practical manner, and when I have acoustic issues to deal with I have no hesitancy in recommending ADC acoustics. I find that I can discuss issues with that practice and that I receive accurate and practical advice in return. Perhaps most importantly I find that I am listened to and that the practice responds to my requirements."
,
"The acoustic insulation is so good you cannot hear anything outside at all even with the music on at full level. Thanks so much for everything to date. Pop in anytime for that extra large drink!!!"
Nightclub, North Wales
"When we get an acoustic report from you, we always know it's going to be good. And that's not something we say very often"
Senior Environmental Health Officer,
"Just a quick hello and a big thank you for your patience and concerted efforts in seeing this project through to its conclusion.
You have been wonderful through this journey, have made yourselves available when we haver needed your expertise, and are very appreciative for your effort … thanks very much!"
Romal Capital,
Having commissioned ADC Acoustics to carry out a building assessment for our enrichment service, which provides services for young adults with disability, I can confidently say that Phil understood the needs of our service and how we require the acoustics to perform. He gave a very clear and simple understanding of how acoustic properties work in buildings, and the measures required to achieve the desired noise levels. Very professional and friendly service, highly recommended.