Key issues impacting noise management to be discussed at conference next week

A conference for environmental health professionals takes place next week covering a wide range of issues impacting noise management and control.

Among the broad range of topics covered at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Noise Management Conference will be air source heat pumps, on-shore windfarms, and the rise of MUGAs (multi-use game areas) and Padel and related noise nuisance concerns.

The two-day conference will open with a keynote session on the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra’s) latest noise mapping update and action plan, offering attendees exclusive insights into national strategies and future developments.

That session will be led by Cerise Reynolds from the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Policy Team at Defra.

Other highlights from day one include a session on Air Source Heat Pumps delivered by Rebecca Hogg, Technical Manager – Acoustics at the Building Services Research and Intelligence Association (BSRIA).

The day will be rounded off by Chris Steel, Principal Specialist Inspector (Noise & Vibration) at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) who will be looking 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 has another packed roster of speakers, with programme highlights Simon Shilton, Director at Acustica Limited presenting on emerging proposals for updating how we deal with road and rail noise and potential changes to calculation methods.

There will also be a case study from Toby Lewis, Technical Director (Acoustics) WSP UK Ltd on a joint expert assessment of nuisance from dogs barking in a commercial setting, before the conference finishes with Martin Higgins, Director May Walters Ltd delivering his session on noise issues arising from the increase in MUGAs and the growing popularity of Padel tennis.

Nikki Pearson, Head of Events and Membership Engagement at CIEH, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of this year’s Noise Management Conference programme which covers such a diverse range of topics and speakers with a wealth of expertise and insight on noise management and regulation.

“Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned professional, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn, engage and connect on this vital part of environmental health work.”

The CIEH Noise Management Conference takes place online on Tuesday 16 September – Wednesday, 17 September.

Register now to secure your place and view the full programme here: https://www.cieh.org/events/2025/september/cieh-noise-management-conference/