Department for Communities and Local Government publish "Future changes to the Building Regulations - next steps" in December 2010.
The document outlines the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) programme on changes to the Building Regulations. DCLG plans to take forward a programme of work to examine a number of areas and to develop detailed proposals for consultation.
An extract from the section regarding Part E "Resistance to the Passage of Sound" is provided below:
2.24 There were 12 responses related to the provisions in Part E. These included positive comments on how sound-testing and the Robust Details approaches have helped in terms of compliance with the requirements, although some commented that the aim of the provisions could still be undermined by build quality. There were also some negative comments related to the lack of control of noise through the external envelope of the building. We continue to work with key partners on these but we currently do not have evidence to indicate a need for a wider review to address these concerns.
2.25 Other points raised support work we have in hand looking at ways to improve our guidance, making it more concise, with clear definitions and fewer references to third-party documents.
2.26 However, as stated previously, a major focus for the Department in this review has been seeking to reduce the burden of regulation. With the Department for Education we have been looking at requirement E4 that currently requires that schools are "suitable" acoustically. Guidance in the Approved Document then cross-refers to Department for Education's guidance. We are exploring whether this provision is the most appropriate and effective way of achieving appropriate standards for school buildings.
2.27 The Department has raised the issue informally with external partners, including at the Department-led workshop in September, with feedback for and against the existing approach. The Department will continue to work closely with Department for Education officials and external partners to explore the scope for streamlining and deregulation in this area.
Posted Date: 17th Jan 2011