ANC calls for more consistent approach to acoustics for public health protection

The Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) has called for a more consistent approach to acoustics, in order to protect society from the impact of excess noise.

The move comes as a new White Paper, ‘Building Our Future; Laying The Foundations For Healthy Homes and Buildings,’ reveals almost 40% of the UK population is subjected to noise pollution, with a knock-on effect on public health.

Now, the ANC says more awareness of how to build good acoustic design in homes and buildings from industry, together with knowledge of the key issues involved from regulators, is vital to address the trend.

The White Paper, produced by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Healthy Homes and Buildings, says the presence of noise pollution is reported to be suffered by 37% of the population and it can cause long-term health issues, in particular higher levels of stress hormones and increasing the risk of cardiovascular effects, such as heart disease and hypertension.

It cites a number of exacerbating issues, including the fact most people spend 90% of their time indoors and that many modern homes and buildings are located in urban and brownfield sites, affected by substantial levels of noise.

The noise impact of solutions designed to reduce overheating in homes is also flagged up.

Dan Saunders, Chair of the ANC (pictured), commented: “The White Paper sets out a clear link between good acoustics and public health in the built environment.

“It calls on the Government to adopt a holistic approach to address the situation to ensure that future renovation of homes and buildings improves other elements vital for health and wellbeing in a number of areas, including acoustics.

“We would strongly support that message. Ultimately, there needs to be greater consideration and consistency given to acoustics in the built environment at an early stage of a project’s development to ensure a better outcome.”

The ANC points to the Professional Practice Guidance (ProPG) – referenced in the White Paper – as a key resource to help address the issue.

Launched in 2017 by a consortium of the ANC, along with the Institute of Acoustics, and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the ProPG complements the UK Government’s National Planning Policy Framework and Guidance to provide practitioners with an industry-recommended approach for the first time for new residential developments, both internally and externally.

Developed to encourage better acoustic design for new residential development and, at the same time, protect people from the harmful effects of noise, the ProPG advocates full consideration of the acoustic environment through state-of-the- art design principles from the earliest possible stages of the design and development control processes.

It outlines what ought to be taken into account in deciding planning applications for new noise-sensitive developments, improves understanding of how to determine the extent of potential noise impacts and effects, and assists the delivery of sustainable development.

Dan added: “We’d urge the industry and regulators to get up to speed with the ProPG and understand how it can address the issues raised in the White Paper.

“Over recent years, we have seen the introduction of the Noise Policy Statement for England, as well as substantial changes in national planning policy, but these developments have not been accompanied by detailed technical acoustic advice.

“This lack of guidance can lead to inconsistent application of policy, and that may in turn result in unsatisfactory development and affect quality of life.

“ProPG has been developed to fill that gap and facilitate efficient and consistent decision-making in the development control process.”

More details about Pro PG can be found here. The White Paper can be viewed here.