IOA Scottish branch have submitted comments on the Scottish Government  Review of  Permitted Development Rights (pdr) – Phase 3, which covers renewable energy technologies. For air source heat pumps, it is strongly recommended that the Scottish Government does not pursue minimum set back distances from other dwellings or physical size restrictions as a means of mitigating impact from noise, as significant adverse impacts cannot be avoided through limitations on size and setback distances alone.

Research commissioned to support a government technical consultation on toilet provision in England, found that the noise from automatic hand dryers was reported to be distressing to the neurodiverse and those with learning disabilities.  Those with children also reported the noise could be distressing.  Also, echoing spaces, not specifically toilets, were reported as a barrier by deaf and hard of hearing people and in a neurodiversity focus group.