Acoustics in Future Homes and Buildings Standard

Elements of acoustics are acknowledged in the Government response to the 2023 consultation on the Future Homes and Buliding Standards (FHBS) - which focuses on energy efficiency, ventilation and heating.  Noise is referenced the document, in particular in relation to Approved Document O which covers measures to mitigate overheating. It is also acknowledged that some rspondents to the consultation  thought that Approved Document O should be edited to reflect the latest Institute of Acoustics/Association of Noise Consultants guide. In announcing the document, the Under Secretary of State for Housing stated that Government are planning a technical review of approved Document O: “The review will consider stakeholder concerns, including reviewing the adoption of the updated CIBSE TM59 for the dynamic method, exploring improvements to the simplified method and reviewing the noise and security guidance in approved document O."
The document also contains a new Approved Document F (ADF) ventilation and Approved Document L (ADL) conservation of heat and power and forms the policy for changes to the Building Regulations which will come into force in 2027.
 

See: Minsters Speech

Guidance: Acoustics, Ventilation and Residential Design Guide