ASHP Guidance on Noise for Consultation

A new Air Source Heat Pumps Professional Advice Note (2026) has been published to replace earlier guidance to support faster, lower-cost installation of air source heat pumps (ASHPs) while maintaining appropriate protection of residents against noise impacts.

Deployment of ASHP domestically across the UK is an essential part of the Governments strategy to achieving net zero target by 2050.

 Developed jointly by the Renewable Energy Advisory Group of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), the guidance provides clear, proportionate advice on acoustic assessment methods for planning applications where Permitted Development Rights do not apply. It is intended to propose a way to remove unnecessary bureaucracy and cost for the majority of installations that can delay or deter them from happening at all.

The guidance proposes introducing defined assessment pathways that sit between the existing MCS 020a method and full noise impact assessments, which often are based on BS4142. For installations a simple compliance routes which aligns with MCS is proposed with a supporting desktop calculations by acousticians as an alternative way to demonstrate compliance with a 37 dB(A) sound level criterion without a costly survey. Surveys and more detailed assessments are reserved for exceptional or sensitive situations, such as tranquil locations or developments with multiple units and potential cumulative impact.

Evidence and professional experience underpinning the approach shows that the 37 dB(A) threshold already accounts for tonal characteristics, aligns with established European and Scottish practice, and has not historically led to increased noise complaints. The guidance also clarifies guidance on appropriate selection of manufacturer sound power data and highlights good acoustic design principles, including considering the occupants noise exposure, careful siting, vibration control, and avoidance of unnecessary enclosures which can reduce the efficiency.

The guidance is industry led and not official government guidance but advises Local Authorities on a streamlined approach to dealing with noise from domestic ASHP installations, including example planning conditions wording that is simple, precise and proportionate.

This new advice replaces earlier guidance and has been produced by a joint working group of acousticians and environmental health professionals, with input from the Association of Noise Consultants who also endorse this consultation draft. The guidance is intended to provide consistent, industry supported evidence-based decision-making for local planning authorities, environmental health practitioners and installers, supporting the rapid and responsible rollout of low-carbon heating across the UK.

You can find the full Air Source Heat Pumps Professional Advice Note (2026) note here

Access to the consultation form is via this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=douRWybCtEWjFpcZyEsnadO1k2seTENLiQgYzfQxzhRUQUs3UkdZRjFCSjYyRFMyUFRDTUxVV1VYSy4u

You can find a support supportive paper from the IOA Working group presented at our IOA conference paper here

The deadline for comments from interested parties is the midnight on the 16^th March 2026.

If you have any questions, you can email ASHP@ioa.org.uk