Important new regulations have just come into force.
Overheating has long been overlooked as a potential noise risk in residential developments. At last, new regulations should help to address the problem.
The requirements are specified in Approved Document O of the Building Regulations. They state that overheating risk must be considered in the planning and design of all new residential buildings.
An overheating mitigation strategy is key and and Approved Document O requires that noise levels at night are considered when assessing overheating risk.
This helps to reinforce the guiding principles of the Acoustics, Ventilation and Overheating (AVO) Guide.
The AVO guide was produced jointly by the Association of Noise Consultants and the Institute of Acoustics in 2020. AJA consultants are members of both these trade bodies and we support this regulatory reinforcement of existing acoustical guidance on overheating.
We now refer to Approved Document O and follow the principles of the AVO Guide in all of our noise assessments of proposed residential developments, where applicable. This ensures that planners and developers do not inadvertently breach this new regulatory requirement.
If you have any questions regarding this important regulation, call us on 01603 721511 and speak to Gary, our environmental expert.