New guidance providing practitioners, developers, operators and local authorities with guidance on a recommended approach for the location of gyms, fitness and exercise spaces to avoid noise and vibration impacts is now available to download. This Professional Practice Guidance on Gym Acoustics (ProPG) has been produced through collaboration between the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC), IOA and CIEH.

This morning members of the IOA gave evidence to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, as their enquiry into the effects of noise on human health continues, with a session focussing on policy. A panel made up of Stephen Turner, Immediate Past President, Peter Rogers, Chair of the Parliamentary Liaison Group, Paul Mucullogh member of CIEH and Somayya Yaqub, member of CIEH answered questions from the committee. When asked how they thought noise is currently prioritised in policy - answers ranged from five to seven out of 10.

Following a communication sent by London Southbank University on 16th March 2023 announcing their intention to pause the taught element of the Level 4 Acoustics Engineering Technician Apprenticeship, the Trailblazer Group has been working tirelessly to identify a new provider.

The IOA is pleased to see the Department for Transport DfT considering measures to tackle excessively noisy vehicles and consulting on potentially introducing an exhaust noise test into the MOT. In responding to their consultation Changes to the date of the first MOT test and Research into other MOT enhancements, we have advised on a number of points. These include that data from trials of measuring exhaust noise in an MOT centre should be compared to equivalent data recorded in a quiet free-field environment.  This will enable the impact of background sound and reflecting surfaces

The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Bill 2023 has now been introduced in the Welsh Parliament.  The Bill proposes an obligation to introduce a national soundscapes strategy, making Wales the first UK nation to do this. The strategy, when introduced, must include policies for assessing and reducing levels of noise pollution. By including soundscapes within this Bill,  the Welsh Government is following their objective to work to align noise, soundscape and air quality policy.

Government ministers have published an action plan for speeding up major developments including offshore windfarms and transport infrastructure. The announcement on National Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) - which applies to England and Wales - was made in the context of the need to improve energy security, achieve net zero, and deliver effective transport, water and waste management. The ten year old statements covering Energy and National Networks are currently under review. Both of these documents have detailed sections covering noise and vibration impacts. 

Everyone is invited to record sounds heard when visiting national parks and upload them to a new soundscape map.

This soundscape project was developed by sound researchers from the UK Acoustics Network (UKNA), University College London (UCL), the University of Aberdeen and the University of Sheffield in collaboration with people who work for, visit and live in the UK's 15 National Parks.

Researchers are looking to create a map covering each National Park with sounds, recorded and uploaded by the public, representing the varied sounds we hear across our parks.

Can you improve the sound of something?