Defra policy update on noise and statutory nuisance headlines event for environmental health professionals

A conference for environmental health professionals has delivered a packed programme of speakers talking about issues impacting noise management.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Noise Management Conference saw topics ranging from air source heat pumps and on-shore windfarms, to the rise of MUGAs (multi-use game areas) and Padel and related noise nuisance concerns.

The two-day conference kicked off with a keynote session from Cerise Reynolds from the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Policy Team at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

She gave a national policy update on noise and statutory nuisance, giving an invaluable insight for delegates into the work being done on environmental noise policy in government.

Rebecca Hogg, Technical Manager – Acoustics at the Building Services Research and Intelligence Association (BSRIA), delivered a session on day one on air source heat pumps, and the role of environmental health professionals in the rollout.

Other day one highlights included Matthew Cand from Hoare Lea giving an in-depth look at on-shore windfarms and the evidence and guidance around noise impact of these developments.

The day was rounded off by Chris Steel, Principal Specialist Inspector (Noise & Vibration) at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) who looked at the question of what are local authorities’ expectations of pub, club and bar owners and how can they better comply with noise nuisance and occupational noise control.

Day two got underway with a session from Colin Cobbing, Director at Pinnacle Acoustics and CIEH Environmental Protection Advisory Panel member, who talked about the consultation into proposed revisions to BS 8233 guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings which has provoked a great deal of interest among CIEH members.

Another highlight was a case study on a joint expert assessment of nuisance from dogs barking in a commercial setting presented by Toby Lewis from WSP, while the event was concluded by a presentation from Martin Higgins from May Walters Acoustic Consultants looking at the rising popularity of Padel tennis and MUGAs (multi-use game areas) and associated noise concerns.

Stephen Turner, CIEH Vice-President and Independent Acoustics Consultant, said:

“We had a wonderfully diverse programme at this year’s CIEH Noise Management Conference with a packed two days of sessions of expert speakers covering a range of topics of real interest to Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) and anybody working in the field of acoustics and noise management.

“I would like to thank all the speakers for giving up their time and sharing their expertise with some really engaging and insightful presentations, as well as all those who attended for making it such a successful event.”

Found out more about upcoming events and conferences organised by CIEH here: www.cieh.org/events