Planning

March/April 2025

The Acoustics Bulletin for March/April 2025 highlights the Institute of Acoustics' (IOA) initiatives, including progress towards chartered status, noise research projects, and the upcoming release of a new website. It also covers key topics such as the revised BS 8233 standard, the activities of the IOA's various groups, and news updates.

01 March 2025

Noise concerns delay Gatwick second runway decision

The Secretary of State for Transport,  Heidi Alexander MP, has said she is "minded to approve" the operation of a second runway at Gatwick airport

New report: EU cities are still too noisy

A new report by The European Court of Auditors finds that while European cities have cleaner air, they are still too noisy.

New network set to focus on reducing noise

A network of engineers, policymakers, industry stakeholders and scientists, are set to focus on reducing noise pollution and building a healthier environment.

Consultation: National Policy Statement for Nuclear Energy Generation

A draft of a new National Policy Statement for nuclear energy generation has been published for consultation, as part of the ongoing review of planning policy.

Measures to curb underwater noise announced

The Government have announced that plans to accelerate the development of offshore wind power will be accompanied by measures to reduce harmful underwater noise.

Consultation on national land use launched

The Government has today launched a consultation on a strategic national approach to land use in England.

Government seeking views on Infrastructure planning reform

The Government are seeking views on proposals for changes to the planning process for national infrastructure projects.

Ireland: EPA consultation on Guidance Note for Noise (NG4)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Ireland has revised Guidance Note for Noise (NG4) and it is now out for consultation.

Ireland: Little progress with Noise Action Plans in 2023

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Ireland published its report on the environmental enforcement performance of local authorities in 2023 in December.

Evolving acoustic design standards: building on evidence

The proposed revisions to BS 8233 - see the paper by Harvie-Clark and Fenech in the IOA Acoustics 2024 proceedings here and a webinar recording here

Aircraft noise impacts debated in Parliament

In a debate in the House of Commons yesterday, Under Secretary of State for Transport Mike Kane said