Regulatory & Standards

UNDERSTANDING REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SOUND CONTROL

Regulatory & Standards

Quantum Acoustics

Want to join us?

Salary: Undisclosed

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
19 December 2025
Wales propose next steps on permitted development for ASHP

Outcome of Welsh Government consultation on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps.

2. Peter Rogers - Tells us about his work with the Government (Video Bulletin 3)

UK Legislation

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
24 March 2026
New noise rating for tumble dryers

New noise rating on labels for household tumble dryers

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
12 December 2025
Consultation: Relaxing licensing for the world cup

The Home Office has issued proposals to relax licensing hours in England and Wales, if England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland reach the semi finals of the world cup in July 2026.

Planning for sound from ASHPs: proposal for a risk based assessment framework

London Branch: Air Source Heat Pumps - Acoustic Challenges by Jack Harvie-Clarke and James Hill, Apex Acoustics

Rights and Responsibilities - What's new in 2025 for ASHP Permitted Development Rights

by Rebecca Hogg

EU Directives

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
24 October 2025
New Regulations for outdoor equipment noise measurement

Updated regulations for measuring noise from outdoor equipment - like compressors, chainsaws, tower cranes and generators - have been laid in Parliament and come into force on 13 April 2026.

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
12 November 2024
Measuring noise from outdoor equipment

The IOA have submitted evidence to Government on the proposal to update measurement of outdoor equipment noise in line with changes to EU regulation.

Noise Planning Policy

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
17 March 2026
Planning needs clear noise policy

The Noise Policy Statement England must be integrated into the National Planning Policy Framework say IOA

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
17 December 2025
Scotland: Consultation on Transport Noise Action Plan to 2028

Transport Scotland have published a new Transport Noise Action Plan for 2025 – 2028.

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
02 December 2025
New Licensing Framework encourages using Agent of Change

On November 26th, the same day as the budget, a new National Licensing Policy Framework (NLPF) was published, alongside Revised guidance under section 182 of the Licensing Act.

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
13 October 2025
Pubs and clubs licensing fast track review published

The government are inviting views and evidence on proposals for a review of the licensing system which focuses on pubs, restaurants, clubs, music and entertainment venues licensed under the Licensing

Planning Guidance

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
25 March 3034
Consultation: Permitted development changes for air source heat pumps and home extensions

This week a consultation on changes to Permitted Development Rights in England has been published, which includes proposed changes to planning rules around air source heat pumps (ASHP), and home...

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
13 March 2026
Agent of Change embedded in pilot policy for London Licensing

The Greater London Authority are proposing licensing authorities work with the local planning authority to apply the Agent of Change principle.

Peter Rogers
Peter Rogers
30 January 2026
ASHP Guidance on Noise for Consultation

New professional guidance proposes an approach to minimise planning barriers and costs for air source heat pump installations

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
03 November 2025
Consultation response: permitted development air source heat pumps in Scotland

The IOA have submitted a response to the Scottish Government consultation on potential amendments to permitted development rights, which included proposals related change of use for buildings....

Building Regulations

Lessons Learned Managing Noise & Vibration on HS2, Currently Europe’s Largest Building Site (Hybrid)

Acoustics 2023: Charles Etienne Lamort - Construction Site Environmental Pollution Management Initiatives... in Asia

How to Reliably Protect Buildings From Vibrations

Whole Building Isolation of Existing Structures: Repurpose, Not Rebuild

26 January 2023 - Central Branch (hybrid meeting) by Adam Fox, Mason UK,

British Standards

Acoustics 2023: Simon Khan - British Standard BS8233 - Guidance on Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction in Buildings - a Review

Acoustics 2023: Simon Khan - British Standard BS8233 - Guidance on Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction in Buildings - a Review

Designing and testing fitness and gym isolated floating floors – Good practices

Presened by Marina Rodrigues and Sarah Huskie, CDM Stravitec and Martin Raisborough, RBA Acoustics

Technical Guidance

Acoustic Design of the Etihad Rail Passenger Stations Project

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
08 September 2025
Response to proposed update on wind turbine noise assessment

An IOA response to the Government consultation on updating guidance on the assessment and rating of onshore wind turbines - ETSU-R-97 - has been submitted.

Planning for sound from ASHPs: proposal for a risk based assessment framework

London Branch: Air Source Heat Pumps - Acoustic Challenges by Jack Harvie-Clarke and James Hill, Apex Acoustics

Certification Schemes

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
04 December 2023
Consultation: planning for Air Source Heat Pumps

Microgeneration Certification Council (MCS) consultation on the Planning Standard for Permitted Development Installations of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)

Bioacoustics/Ecological Acoustics

Resonant Relics – Horse Skulls

Acoustics 2023: Habitats Developments in Managing the Ecological Impacts of Noise on Wildlife Habitats for Sustainable Development

Acoustics 2023: Mostafa Ranjbar - Flight sound of an insect wing: application of metamaterial... of bioinspired flapping wings

Shaking up Aquatic Substrates: taking lessons from biotremology