Acoustic Design Planning Requirements: Workplaces
Monday, 15 June 2026
Contributions
Lauren Edwards (Rochester and Strood) (Lab)Labour
7. What assessment he has made of the adequacy of acoustic design requirements for workplaces in the planning system.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)Labour
National planning policy makes clear that planning decisions should minimise potential adverse impacts resulting from noise. Associated planning practice guidance sets out that good acoustic design needs to be considered early in the planning process.
Sownd Certification is the UK’s first accreditation for spaces that are audio-inclusive and comfortable for neurodivergent people, spaces such as Oscar Acoustics innovation centre in my constituency. Will the Minister meet me to discuss the benefits of incorporating measurable acoustic performance and audio-inclusivity standards into building regulations or guidance to support more inclusive spaces?
Building regulations already require protection against sound or reverberation in houses, flats, buildings that have residential rooms and schools, but I am always open to considering how sound insulation standards might be improved in new builds. I would work on any further information my hon. Friend might send to me about the referenced projects in her constituency, including the Oscar Acoustics innovation centre.
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Source: UK Parliament Hansard API. Debate ID: 5362279.