The impact of innovative acoustic design on the UK’s economy, society and environment has been recognised at the annual Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) Acoustic Awards.

Showcasing outstanding work in tackling noise and vibration challenges, the awards are judged by a panel made up of consultants, academics, suppliers and those with specialist knowledge of each category.

Winners were revealed at an awards dinner held as part of the ANC’s Annual Conference, held at The Treehouse Hotel in Manchester. They were presented by acclaimed acoustician, Rupert Thornely-Taylor.

Robert Osborne of the ANC said: “The ANC Acoustics Awards recognise excellence among UK acoustic consultants by shining a spotlight on examples of work that display innovation and originality in acoustic design. Our congratulations go to all the winners of the different categories and to those who were commended for their work.”

Building Acoustics (sponsored by AcSoft)
WINNER: Hoare Lea – Radley College
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Acoustic Consultants Ltd – University of Gloucestershire City Campus and Ramboll – MasterChef, Birmingham

Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion (sponsored by Oscar Acoustics)
WINNER: AtkinsRéalis – Lisburne SEND Primary School
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Acoustic Consultants Ltd – 19 Hills Health & Wellbeing Centre

Vibration Prediction and Control (sponsored by CDM Stravitec)
WINNER: Bickerdike Allen Partners LLP – Sound-Induced Vibration and Risk to Museum Collections
HIGHLY COMMENDED: PDA Ltd – Façade Wind Noise and Vibration Mitigation Guildford Rail Station
COMMENDED – Bickerdike Allen Partners LLP – Destoner

Venues (sponsored by Rockfon)
WINNER: Cundall- Tides
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Red Twin – Arena Torquay
COMMENDED: AECOM – EMD Walthamstow and SLR Consulting – Sandon Bury Farm

Environmental Noise: Infrastructure (sponsored by ANV Measurement Systems)
WINNER: AECOM – Transpennine Route Upgrade
HIGHLY COMMENDED: AECOM – Diriyah Square Road Tunnel and Stantec – Severn Trent Water Treatment Upgrade Projects

Environmental Noise: Non-Infrastructure (sponsored by Getzner)
WINNER: Acoustic Consultants Ltd – Gravity Industries
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Apex Acoustics and Sustainable Acoustics – Grievesons Yard
COMMENDED: WSP – Barking Riverside

Sustainability (sponsored by Pliteq)
WINNER: AtkinsRéalis – SWTRA Vegetation Attenuation Noise Study
COMMENDED: AECOM – Morden Wharf and Sustainable Acoustics – B Corporation Journey

Innovation (sponsored by Mason)
JOINT WINNERS: Create Consulting Engineers – Bodleian Storage Facility and Cundall – Tides
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Acoustic Consultants Ltd – Gravity Industries

Small Consultancy: The Patrick Shortt Award
WINNER: Red Twin – Arena Torquay

Best presentation (sponsored by Gilcrest)
Acoustic Consultants Ltd – Gravity Industries

Finalists were featured in two presentation sessions scheduled as part of the conference programme, giving delegates an overview of the shortlisted projects across the nine awards categories, with an additional prize given for the best presentation.
Case studies detailing the winning projects are included on the ANC website at: https://www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk/awards-2026/

Important new professional guidance on noise impacts tackling planning barriers to air source heat pump installations is launched

A new update to the Air Source Heat Pumps Professional Advice Note (2026) has been published after extensive consultation to support faster, lower-cost installation of air source heat pumps (ASHPs) while maintaining appropriate protection against noise impacts for neighbours against the MCS 020a standard.

Developed jointly by the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), the guidance provides clear, proportionate advice on acoustic assessment methods for planning applications where Permitted Development Rights do not apply. It is intended to remove unnecessary bureaucracy that can delay or deter ASHP installations, which are essential to achieving the UK’s net zero target by 2050.

The guidance introduces defined assessment pathways that sit between the existing MCS 020a method and full BS 4142 assessment, which is often a requirement of Local Authorities. The guidance includes example conditions to assist Local Authorities with a different approach.  For most installations, simple compliance routes are set out, including desktop calculations demonstrating compliance with a 37 dB(A) sound level criterion. More detailed assessments are reserved for exceptional or sensitive situations, such as tranquil locations or developments with multiple units and potential cumulative impact.

Evidence and current knowledge of the working groups involved has underpinning the approach taken, and as it develops further updated to the guidance are expected. Currently the 37 dB(A) threshold is already considered to account for tonal characteristics, aligns with established European and Scottish practice, and has not led to increased noise complaints to date. The guidance also clarifies appropriate selection of manufacturer sound power data and where the grey areas in knowledge exist. It also highlights good acoustic design principles, including careful siting, vibration control, and avoidance of unnecessary enclosures.

The note advises that planning conditions related to noise will rarely be required and, where justified, should be simple, precise and proportionate.

This new advice replaces earlier guidance and has been produced by a joint working group of acousticians and environmental health professionals, with input from the Association of Noise Consultants. It is intended to provide consistent, evidence-based decision-making for local planning authorities, environmental health practitioners and installers, supporting the rapid and responsible rollout of low-carbon heating across the UK.

You can find the full Air Source Heat Pumps Professional Advice Note (2026) note here