Links to a selection of useful documents are provided below. WBM accepts no responsibility for, nor endorses the content of, the websites listed. The links are provided only as a useful resource for browsers of this site.
Approved Document E 2003 “Resistance to the passage of sound”
This is the part of the Building Regulations 2000 that relates to sound insulation and acoustics within houses, flats, rooms for residential purposes and acoustic conditions within schools. An online version of Approved Document E 2003 (incorporating 2004 amendments) is available at the following link.
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/parte/approved
BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)
BREEAM is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. There are standard schemes available for a variety of developments including courts, healthcare, industrial, prison, office, retail and educational developments. Bespoke assessment schemes are also available for other types of buildings (e.g. leisure complexes).
http://www.breeam.org/
Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) Acoustic Design of Schools
Acoustic conditions within schools are now covered by the Building Regulations 2000 as Requirement E4. The normal way of satisfying Requirement E4 is to meet the acoustic criteria provided in Section 1 of BB83. The aims of BB93 are to provide a regulatory framework for the acoustic design of schools in support of the Building Regulations, give supporting advice and recommendations for planning and design of schools and provide a comprehensive guide for architects, acousticians, building control bodies, building services engineers, clients, and others involved in the design of new school buildings. The link to BB93 is no longer available as the teachernet website has been decommissioned. Please contact WBM if you require assistance with BB93.
Code for Sustainable Homes
The Code for Sustainable Homes is intended as a single national standard to guide industry in the design and construction of sustainable homes. The most recent version is the November 2010 edition. Issues relating to noise and acoustics are available in Category 7 “Health and well-being” and points are available for achieving higher standards of sound insulation than required by Approved Document E 2003, and demonstrating it by either using testing or Robust Details.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/codeguide
Minerals Policy Statement 2 (MPS 2): Controlling and Mitigating the Environmental Effects of Mineral Extraction in England - Annex 2: Noise
This document is a statement of the policy considerations in relation to noise from mineral workings and associated operations, and how they should be dealt with in local development frameworks and in considering individual applications. Note that this document has been replaced by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published 27 March 2012. Although it has been replaced, there may be instances where an assessment using MPS 2 is required, in which case please contact WBM for assistance.
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
NPPF was published on 27 March 2012 with immediate effect. Please see the following link to access a pdf version of the document.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/nppf
Planning Policy Guidance 24 (PPG 24) Planning and Noise
PPG 24 guides local authorities in England on the use of their planning powers to minimise the adverse impact of noise. It outlines the considerations to be taken into account in determining planning applications both for noise-sensitive developments and for those activities which generate noise. Note that this document has been replaced by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published 27 March 2012. Although it has been replaced, there may be instances where an assessment using PPG 24 is required, in which case please contact WBM for assistance.