56. Three options have been considered and are described below:
Option 1 |
Do nothing. Retain the current Requirements and the current version of Approved Document E. |
Option 2 |
Promote good practice. The DETR (now ODPM) has supported the development of good practice guidance in this field for many years. |
Option 3 |
Adopt the amendments to Part E. This means adopting the three Requirements E1, E2 and E3 which will apply to new dwellings and rooms for residential purposes whether purpose built or created as a result of material change of use, adopting Requirement E4 which applies only to schools and adopting the revised Approved Document E. |
57. The current arrangement by which occupants and building owners seek to obtain redress for poor sound insulation is recognised to be unsatisfactory. It is difficult to retrospectively apportion blame for sound insulation defects that only become apparent once the dwelling is occupied. It is also difficult, and more expensive, to apply retrospective remedial treatment in an occupied property.
58. There is some evidence to suggest that the current arrangements are socially inequitable with improved standards of sound insulation only being available to those who complain, or who take legal action, or those who are fortunate enough to have responsible landlords or to be living at the luxury end of the market. The current lack of sound insulation testing means that little performance information is available, even to informed prospective occupants.
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