Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Acoustic Design Planning Requirements: Workplaces

Monday 15 June 2026 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Lauren Edwards asked about the adequacy of acoustic design requirements for workplaces in the planning system.
  • The Minister responded that national planning policy aims to minimise adverse impacts from noise through good acoustic design considered early in the planning process.
  • Lauren Edwards requested a meeting to discuss incorporating measurable acoustic performance standards into building regulations, to which the Minister expressed openness to improving sound insulation standards in new builds.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lauren Edwards Lab Rochester and Strood
Environment
Context

The adequacy of current acoustic design requirements in the planning system is being questioned.

Question

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of acoustic design requirements for workplaces in the planning system?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of adequacy is not provided, only general statements about consideration of acoustic issues in planning decisions.

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Q2 Lauren Edwards Lab Rochester and Strood
Environment
Context

The question relates to Sound Certification, an accreditation that supports neurodivergent individuals in spaces like the Oscar Acoustics innovation centre.

Question

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? Sownd Certification is the UK's first accreditation for spaces that are audio-inclusive and comfortable for neurodivergent people, such as Oscar Acoustics innovation centre in my constituency.

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

Building regulations already require protection against sound or reverberation in houses, flats, buildings that have residential rooms and schools. The Minister is open to considering how sound insulation standards might be improved in new builds, and would work on any further information my hon. Friend might send about the referenced projects.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to meet and discuss standards not given; only an openness to consider improvements is mentioned.

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