The current London Plan requires planning applications for all major developments in London to include an assessment of overheating risk. This is usually carried out using CIBSE TM59 methodology. Natural ventilation solutions clearly have sustainability benefits. However for sites exposed to excessive noise these can be a constraint. There has been little, if any, guidance on how to assess external environmental noise when considering ventilation options.

After many years The Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) has launched its Acoustics Ventilation and Overheating Residential Design Guide. David Trew, a Partner at BAP, is one of the principal authors of the guide. The inherent design conflict between the need to keep out noise but bring in fresh air to improve indoor environmental quality is a challenging one. The new ANC guide introduces technical guidance and background information to assist.