Building Futures

In this section

• Noise Facts
• Basic Principles
• Solutions
• Case Studies
• Further information - Noise

Building Design/Layout

Planning Policy Guidance (PPG24) Planning and Noise, outlines how the planning system guides development to the most appropriate locations. Wherever practicable, noise-sensitive developments are distanced from major sources of noise (such as road, rail and air transport and industrial development).

Designing in effective noise attenuation requires a thorough understanding and active management of incoming and outgoing noises. The

• identify the main sources and receptors of noise
• identify the nearest noise sensitive premises

Design and layout proposals should take into account: 

• separation of noise sources from quiet areas by the greatest distance possible
• positioning of buildings or rooms which are less sensitive to noise to act as screens or baffles between noise sources and quiet areas; e.g. a hallway or bathroom between a common stairway and a bedroom
• consideration of the noise insulation properties of all building components. Sound resistant flooring and walling systems are readily available, while thicker, heavier doors and double glazed windows provide greater noise insulation
• use of higher density materials, which typically provide a higher level of sound insulation than soft materials
• positioning of building services – i.e. away from sensitive properties or opening windows
• Isolation of structural materials that could transmit noise between the source and sensitive receiver (e.g. by using discontinuous construction)

Residential buildings (including hotel rooms and halls of residence) and schools are particularly sensitive to noise. The details of the acoustic requirements for such developments are clearly set out in Building Regulations Part E and are not repeated here.

Building Regulations Part E documentation can be found at here.

The Part E Robust Details scheme provides an alternative to complying with Building Regulations Part E Requirement E1 in. The scheme avoids the requirement for pre-completion sound testing in new build attached houses and flats.

Robust Details Ltd (RDL) publish a handbook - Robust Details Part E Resistance to the Passage of Sound , which describes the separating walls and floors which may be adopted. All plots using Part E Robust Details must be registered with the RDL to obtain unique reference numbers and construction must follow the exact specifications of the relevant parts of the Robust Details Part E Handbook.