Builders may get a reprieve on tough new sound tests for homes if the industry can agree on new building standards instead.

Noisy neighbours are a big problem in the UK with the number of complaints about domestic noise is currently running at over 5,500 per million population.

To deal with this problem a new edition of the Building Regulations came into force on 1 July and will apply to new houses and flats from 1st January 2004. To improve compliance with the standards it introduced pre-completion testing of a sample of separating walls and floors between new dwellings.

When the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister announced these tough tests for sound insulation for new dwellings and conversions, the industry argued the scheme would lead to delays and higher costs.

In response, government ministers asked the builders to prove that their alternative of tougher building standards would achieve the results needed.

Now, after several months of research and development sponsored by the House Builders Federation, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is inviting comments on whether the industry’s preferred system (Robust Standard Details) is an acceptable alternative to the government’s pre-completion testing approach.

Robust Standard Details (RSDs) are high performance constructions that are capable of providing consistently good sound insulation, and so should not need the check provided by testing.

The Minister responsible for Building Regulations Phil Hope said:

“As part of an overall strategy to improve quality of life, the Government aims to tackle the noise issue at the building stage.”

“While we are aware of the need to be flexible and avoid stifling trade with too much red tape, we are not prepared to compromise on consumer issues. The construction industry has to prove their system will work.”

“We are satisfied that RSDs can provide an effective alternative to pre-completion testing but are now consulting on the issue in order to gain a wider spectrum of opinion.”

“We are delighted that government and commerce can work together to develop ways to build better, safer and more environmentally sound homes.”