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Regulatory & Standards

UNDERSTANDING REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SOUND CONTROL

Regulatory & Standards

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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.

UK Legislation

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.

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

by Rebecca Hogg

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
22 October 2024
Call for evidence: Noise from outdoor equipment

Noise from outdoor equipment - used in construction and landscaping/gardening - has since 2001 been regulated in the UK in line with an EU Directive. The EU have now updated their regulations on in l

Alex Shaida
Alex Shaida
24 March 2021
Space Industries Act 2018 consultation response

The IOA has today submitted its response to a consultation about spaceflight based on The Space Industries Act 2018.

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 - IOA evidence

The IOA have submitted evidence to the UK 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 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

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
03 October 2025
Consultation response: infrastructure planning onshore wind

n responding to the UK Government consultation on streamlining infrastructure planning, the IOA Renewable Energy Advisory Group have provide comment on proposals to remove statutory pre-application...

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
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....

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
16 September 2025
Consultation: Infrastructure planning and onshore wind projects

A government consultation is now open seeking views on changes to guidance, public sector services and secondary legislation to streamline infrastructure consenting for Nationally Significant...

Mary Stevens
Mary Stevens
04 December 2023
Review recommends improving Air Source Heat Pump noise assessments

A review of air source heat pump (ASHP) noise emissions and current permitted development regulations (PDR) and guidance has been published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DENSZ).

Technical Guidance

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.

Alex Shaida
Alex Shaida
06 September 2024
IOA Annual Accounts and Annual Report for 2023

The Annual Accounts and Trustees’ Report for 2023 along with the Annual Report for 2023 are on the website.

Alex Shaida
Alex Shaida
05 September 2024
Acoustics Bulletin September-October 2024 issue available for members

The September/October 2024 issue of Acoustics Bulletin is now available

Alex Shaida
Alex Shaida
05 August 2024
Acoustics Bulletin July-August 2024 issue available for members

The July/August 2024 issue of Acoustics Bulletin is now available.

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)