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NEWS PROVIDES THE LATEST UPDATES, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND DEVELOPMENTS RELEVANT TO IOA MEMBERS AND THE ACOUSTICS COMMUNITY.
A new Bill proposing that fireworks noise levels are restricted was introduced by Yasim Qureshi, Labour MP for Bolton South and Walkden, on December 3rd.
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.
A UK strategy for the conservation of whales and dolphins (cetaceans) - has been published. It acknowledges that underwater noise sits alongside climate change and bycatch is a threat impacting these
The Scottish Government have opened a consultation on proposed changes to the Environmental Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
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.
For the first time noise is included as an indicator of deprivation in England and Wales. Both administrations published updated Indices of Deprivation in November.
The Scottish Government are consulting on an updated Agglomeration Noise Action Plan. It covers five agglomerations – Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Falkirk, and Glasgow. Agglomerations arw defined by
In responding to the government call for evidence on a proposed review of the licensing system, the IOA has expressed agreement with overarching objective of creating a consistent, transparent....
The Environmental Audit Committee published the outcome of their enquiry into Airport expansion and climate and nature targets at the end of October.
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....
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.
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
On Tuesday 7th October 2025, members of the UK acoustics community gathered at the Royal Academy of Engineering for the launch of the Sound Economics 2 (SE2) report. Hosted by the UK Acoustics Network
The IAQM has published a new Position Statement outlining their position on the use of low-cost sensor systems for PM10, in the vicinity of demolition and construction sites.
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...
The Welsh Government are consulting on changes to building regulations, which cover the consideration of ventilation and overheating.
The European Environment Agency have published their annual update on the state of Europe's environment. An evaluation of the current status and future outlook for transport noise pollution in Europe
Protecting established music venues from noise complaints from new developments has recently been the subject of debate in the House of Lords and questions in the House of Commons.
British Standard 8233 Sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings provides guidance for the control of noise in and around buildings.
The Scottish Government are consulting on potential amendments to permitted development rights intended to simplify planning processes and encourage new home provision in cities and rural areas.
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...
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.
n responding to the Scottish Government consulation on an Updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy, the IOA consider the draft plan allows for suitable provision for the mitigation of...
Planning permission to convert office in Brighton to flats have been refused on appeal by the Planning IOnspector as they are next to a music venue. Brighton and Hove City Council refused....
In a consultation setting out a delivery plan for raising awareness, focusing primarily on air pollution, the Welsh Government are also acknowledge the health impacts of noise...
The N Ireland government are consulting on an updated Noise Action Plan for industry, setting out how the Department of Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs....
The Department for Business and Trade have announced they plan to introduce the ‘Agent of Change’ principle into national planning and licensing policy
A new report examines conclusions from the Marine Management Organisation’s (MMO) Strategic Renewables Unit’s (SRU) project to progress the implementation of post-consent monitoring standards
A consultation is underway by the Department for Energy and Net Zero (DESNZ) on ecodesign standards for tumble dryers which includes noise ratings.
Views are now being sought on an update to guidance on the assessment and rating of onshore wind turbines.
An Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy has been published today by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Following a mass stranding of 55 pilot whales on the Isle of Lewis in July 2023, the Scottish Government Marine Directorate undertook research
A report published last week by the European Environment Agency finds that long-term exposure to transport noise in Europe is linked to a wide range of negative impacts on our health
More than one hundred million people in Europe are exposed to harmful transport noise - which is a major environmental health risk
The new draft Planning and Infrastructure Bill was debated in Parliament this week, and Dame Caroline Dinenage, Conservative MP for Gosport, spoke on her amendment
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment in Ireland are undertaking a public consultation on their first statutory Marine Planning Policy Statement (MPPS).
The Scottish Government are now consulting on a draft updated plan for the siting of offshore wind turbines.
BSi have today published a redraft of BS 8233 Sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings. This standard provides guidance for the control of sound in and around buildings.
This week changes were laid in Parliament enabling a major redesign of UK airspace, with the stated aims of increasing capacity alongside reducing emissions per flight and the impact of noise
A draft revised National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP) has been published for consultation, as part of the Government's ongoing reform of infrastructure planning.
In responding to the govenment consultation on revisions to national policy statements for energy infrastructure, the IOA consider "the proposed changes to the NPSs look to promote good practice....
To address long standing public concerns about noise from vehicles, the States of Guernsey are introducing legislation to prohibit alterations to vehicle exhaust systems that increase noise.
Following oral evidence sessions in Parliament, the Environmental Audit Committee have now made all evidence submitted for their inquiry into Airport expansion and climate and nature targets available
Every year the IOA honours people whose contributions to acoustics or to the Institute have been particularly noteworthy.
As part of their ongoing enquiry into the impact of airport expansion on climate and nature targets, the Environmental Audit Committee will be taking oral evidence tomorrow - Wednesday May 14th.
New research from Cardiff University finds that acoustic waves could support energy generation from waves.
The Welsh Government are consulting on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps(ASHP).
All IOA membership applicants and their proposer(s) must note the following important points
It has been estimated that the annual social cost of urban road noise in England ranges from £7 billion to £10 billion, similar to the cost of road accidents (£9 billion).
The Environmental Audit Committee have issued a call for evidence on 'Airport expansion and climate and nature targets'.
In responding to the Government consultation on a strategic national approach to land use in England, IOA the emphasise need for clear policy guidance to ensure environmental noise is properly assesse
The government have issued a consultation on draft updates to National Planning Policy statements covering energy - EN-1: Overarching National Policy Statement for energy...
This year we are once again running an exciting competition for Primary Schools in the UK on sounds.
The IOA has just published its second edition of its Acoustics Careers' guide.
The Institute of Acoustics (IOA) is inviting young people to dive into the fascinating world of acoustics – the science of sound – and show the world why sound matters in daily life.
In responding to a consultation on revised guidance for assessing environmental noise - the IOA Ireland branch commend the EPA for providing a comprehensive Draft NG-4 guidance document.
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
A new report by The European Court of Auditors finds that while European cities have cleaner air, they are still too noisy.
A network of engineers, policymakers, industry stakeholders and scientists, are set to focus on reducing noise pollution and building a healthier environment.
Artificial noise or acoustic alerts have been discussed as an important potential safety measure, for e-scooters, if their use in public places is to be made legal.
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.
The Government have announced that plans to accelerate the development of offshore wind power will be accompanied by measures to reduce harmful underwater noise.
Forthcoming IOA Certificate Courses in 2025. Spring courses are filling up quickly.
The Government has today launched a consultation on a strategic national approach to land use in England.
The Government are seeking views on proposals for changes to the planning process for national infrastructure projects.
A new report assesses the health benefits of having quiet areas within areas with high levels of road traffic and railway noise.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Ireland has revised Guidance Note for Noise (NG4) and it is now out for consultation.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Ireland published its report on the environmental enforcement performance of local authorities in 2023 in December.
During December, concerns about the noise impacts of fireworks – on people, pets and wildlife have been raised both in debate in the UK parliament and with the Scottish government.
In responding to the Welsh Government consultation on Implementing the Infrastructure Wales Act 2024, the IOA Welsh Branch provide observations and feedback covering noise assessments...
The impact of transport noise on the the reading ability and behaviour of children is the subject of a new research briefing. Compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA), ...
The IOA have responded to questions relating to noise in the Civil Aviation Authority consultation on the Future of UK Aviation. In addition to reporting the number of people exposed to aviation...
We spend 80 – 90% of our time indoors, making the quality of indoor environments crucial to our health and well-being. Building regulations specify minimum acoustic performance requirements...
New guidance is published this week that provides methods for addressing potential noise issues when addressing overheating of buildings.
Following consultation covering the current permitted development rules around air source heat pumps earlier this year, Government have announced the relaxation of permitted development rules in...
The Scottish Government have published a report on the impact of off shore wind development on species of fish that undertake regular migrations between freshwater and marine environments.
In a debate in the House of Commons yesterday, Under Secretary of State for Transport Mike Kane said
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.
Research looking at barriers to library use has found that perceptions of noise levels are a factor that prevents people from using libraries.
The launch event for the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Sustainable Sound Futures was held on the 1st November at the Royal Academy of Engineering, London.
Defra has published strategic noise map data for England that give a snapshot of the estimated noise from road and rail sources across England in 2021. The data was developed as part of...
The John Connell Awards 2024 took place at the Palace of Westminster on the evening of 16th October 2024, kindly hosted by The Lord Balfe. The awards were presented by Gabrielle Edwards CBE, Director
IOA Scottish branch have responded to the stage 1 consultation from the Scottish Government which supports their pledge “to introduce new minimum environmental design standards for all new build...
Join Us as Director of Education – Shape the Future of Acoustics Education
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
As the budget approaches, the IOA has joined The Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) and leading organisations in the research and development (R&D) sector in writing to the Chancellor...
The Civil Aviation Authority recently consulted on draft principles for consumer environmental information on aviation, this followed on from a call for evidence in early 2023.
A final consultation is now open covering the new consent regime in The Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024.
Join us for the briefing on the Defra National Noise Modelling System (NMS) and a memorial lecture honouring Geoff Kerry.
Planning permission has been granted for a 24 hour gym, underneath residential flats in West Sussex, although 74 objections from neighbours were received. Objections cited concerns about noise...
The IOA have responded to the consultation on the revising the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for England, and wider planning policy. Our response states that the main noise management...
The Institute of Acoustics (IOA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor David Waddington as its new President.
The Annual Accounts and Trustees’ Report for 2023 along with the Annual Report for 2023 are on the website.
The September/October 2024 issue of Acoustics Bulletin is now available
The City of Dublin and adjoining councils have produced a noise action plan for 2024 - 28 in line with requirements of the Environmental Noise Directive (END).
Recently published research shows that listening to the sounds of our soil can help determine how healthy it is.
The latest annual report from National Highways reports that in 2023 – 24 noise from roads was mitigated for 990 households.
Forthcoming IOA Certificate Courses in Autumn 2024
In December 2022 the Scottish Government pledged to introduce legislation by December 2024 “to introduce new minimum environmental design standards for all new build housing to meet a Scottish...
The July/August 2024 issue of Acoustics Bulletin is now available.
An updated draft of the National Planning Policy Statement for England, which is intended to accelerate the development of housing and roll out of renewable energy has been launched for consultation.
In responding to a consultation under the previous government, on the potential siting of nuclear fusion facilities , the IOA has broadly agreed with proposals.
Research published earlier this year found that the underwater noise created by large sailing events can impact marine wildlife.
The Scottish Parliament Information centre have published a briefing outlining some of the main rules which can be used to deal with nuisance complaints in Scotland.
An article in The Guardian business pages today asks whether heat pumps can cause noise nuisance to neighbours.
Now that the main political parties have published their manifestos, we’ve had a look at them to identify areas where there are potential implications for sound, noise and acoustics.
During the pandemic, the government passed regulations covering England and Wales, allowing premises licensed to serve alcohol for consumption on their premises (on-site) to sell alcohol for take...
A report published last week by the UK Parliament Culture, Media and Sport Committee found that noise complaints are contributing to the loss of grassroots music venues.
Last week a saw noise and health debated in the House of Lords, as the Grand Committee discussed the report covering noise and light pollution and health
Recently the IOA has introduced the Research Member grade currently as a specific subset of the Associate Membership grade.
The Labour MP for Bradford South, Judith Cummins, had tabled a Bill aimed at reducing the noise limit for fireworks from 120 decibels (dB) to 90 dB.
The importance of natural soundscapes as an indicator of the health of our natural world has been highlighted in national press this week.
From April 14th, local authorities in Wales must consider the policies in the Noise and Soundscape plan 2023–2028 when exercising any function of a public nature that could affect soundscapes...
Changes to planning rules around air source heat pumps (ASHP), electric vehicle charging and home extensions are included in a consultation on extending permitted development rights (PDR) in England.
For an interesting and lively look at how noise impacts our health, you can listen to last weeks' edition of BBC Radio 4's Inside Health on BBC Sounds.
Research for the Department for Transport (DfT) into the use of noise cameras to tackle excessive noise from vehicle exhausts has been published.
This CDT will train 70 future engineering leaders who will reduce the harms caused by noise and poor acoustics and forge a more positive-sounding future.
Plans to convert offices to flats next to a music venue have been rejected because of the possibly impact of noise complaints.
The Home Office are consulting on removal of licensing for firearms sound moderators.
Proposals for the next regime for night flights, for Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports have been set out by The Department for Transport.
Low Frequency Noise (LFN) issues are often reported in local and national press. The most recent hum we’ve heard of is in Immingham on the Humber estuary.
This year the IOA is running its Primary Schools' Competition with the theme 'Where Sounds Best?' The Primary Schools' competition is now in its third year.
Research published in Nature has discovered how baleen whales - which include blue, grey and minke whales, make sound.
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group has drafted an EDI Strategy to guide our efforts to improve EDI within our Institute. This is available for anyone to view.
The Chair of the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, Baroness Brown, has written to the Government urging them to take more action to reduce unhealthy noise.
A revised standard for the attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors was published on January 31st by BSi.
An updated code of practice on picketing issued by The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) retains clauses covering noise. The code cites interference because e.g. because of noise or crowds...
The IOA has responded to the Microgeneration Certification Council (MCS) consultation on the MCS 020 Planning Standard for Permitted Development Installations of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP).
Update to the IOA Short Courses in 2024
We are excited to announce a new membership grade at the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) - the Research Member.
Responding to the Sustainable Design Task Force’s 2023 to 2025 Strategy, the IOA's Building Acoustics Group (BAG) has drafted a simple guide on how we can all implement sustainable design techniques.
Low Frequency Noise (LFN) can be an environmental noise problem, often referred to as a 'hum'. Not everyone can hear it, as our range of hearing differs, and in many cases no source can be identified
The Welsh Government have published research examining air source heat pump noise (ASHP) and permitted development rights (PDR) in Wales. In announcing the publication Minister for Climate Change...
New research co-ordinated by the University of Liverpool suggests seabirds may use sound to navigate oceans. The study looked at how albatrosses respond to infrasound...
Trials are underway in Scotland exploring how a drone network can be introduced, that would help ensure the efficient delivery of blood products, medicines, lab tests and medical supplies...
A report commissioned by the Department for Business and Industrial Strategy to look at assessment of noise from onshore wind farms is now published.
Apprenticeship starts in the engineering and technology sector are 9% lower today than they were seven years ago.
The January/February 2024 issue of Acoustics Bulletin is now available to members
Season's Greetings from the IOA
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have published a fact sheet providing available data on the unequal distribution of self reported noise annoyance for countries in the European region...
The guide to Designing for Renewable Energy in Wales is now available, following a consultation
Responding to the Sustainable Design Task Force’s 2023 to 2025 Strategy, the Building Acoustics Group has drafted a simple guide on how we can all implement sustainable design techniques.
The Institute of Acoustics is delighted to announce the winner of the 2023 Secondary School Competition: after much deliberation, Clementine Bristow from Stamford Endowed Schools was chosen...
The response of the Government to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee report investigating noise and human health is now available.
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).
The Microgeneration Certification Council (MCS) are consulting on the MCS 020 Planning Standard for Permitted Development Installations of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)
This week the Senedd passed the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Bill, which alongside measures to tackle air pollution gives the Welsh Government powers to make policies...
The Dutch government has abandoned, for now, plans to reduce the impact of aircraft noise on residents around Amsterdam's Schipol airport.
Members now have access to a series of short online refreshers based on extracts from videos created for the IOA Dipoma in Acoustics and Noise Control. These are available now in the videos section...
The Welsh Government announced today that most local streets in Wales with a 30mph speed limit will switch to 20mph on September 17th.
Marine biologists in Australia have published the results of research into the impact of noise from whale watching tourist boats on whales.
The apprenticeship has been developed as an employer-led, industry initiative, with support from the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) and the Institute of Acoustics (IOA)
The consultation is the second stage of the Government's 2-part consultation on proposed changes to Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations.
The IOA has today submitted its response to a consultation about spaceflight based on The Space Industries Act 2018.
This consultation, which concerned potential planning reform in England, closed at the end of October 2020.
With thanks to the Welsh branch of the Institute, the IOA response to this consultation document can be found here or you can download it directly from the attachment further down this page.
The IOA has responded to the Future Homes Standard 2019 Consultation on changes to Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) of the Buildings Regulations for new dwellings.
The Institute has submitted a response to the Government’s consultation on the draft revised NPPF. The response has been drafted been based on the feedback received at a workshop we held for members