Welcome to the new IOA website! Please reset your password to access your account.
Please note the IOA office is closed from 23rd December 2025 until 5th January 2026
Choose from over 350 specialist acoustic topics across 10 categories
Topic groups
The Scottish Government are consulting on potential amendments to permitted development rights intended to simplify planning processes and encourage new ...
External resources
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. The consultation includes proposals related change of use for buildings and to domestic air source heat pumps (ASHP) and heat network connections. For ASHP proposals, include requiring installation to comply with the current Microgeneration Certification Scheme Standard (MCS) 020. Changes are also considered to allow up to two ASHP on detached homes, and to allow use for heating and cooling, but not solely for cooling. At this stage they do not consider there to be sufficient data or a clear methodology that would allow permitted development for more than one ASHP to be installed on flatted buildings or terraced or semi-detached properties, so a planning application would still be required to assess issues including potential cumulative noise. The IOA previously responded to a similar consultation in England, and will be collating a response to this consultation.
This consultation is open until October 27th
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.
A report commissioned by the Department for Business and Industrial Strategy to look at assessment of noise from onshore wind farms is now published.
The Welsh Government are consulting on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps(ASHP).
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.
The Government are seeking views on proposals for changes to the planning process for national infrastructure projects.
No record found.