Constraints associated with PAN 56 and natural ventilation

摘要

This paper addresses the constraints imposed by the current Planning Advice Note 56 (PAN 56) with regards to achieving acceptable internal noise levels in inner city areas whilst utilising openable windows as the principal means of ventilation. Although openable windows may be preferred by users and Local Authorities, alternative means of natural ventilation are available which provide both adequate ventilation and the required sound attenuation. Consideration is given to alternative means of natural ventilation in terms of their adequacy in providing ventilation and their ability to mitigate noise from a road traffic noise spectrum. Ventilation and sound reduction data from field work undertaken by others has been used in some cases, subsequently, this assessment intends only to provide an indication of acoustic and ventilation performance, achievable with different ventilation strategies. In addition a case study is presented where a unique passive ventilation system was designed by AECOM to allow the use of natural ventilation in a city centre location, subject to high traffic noise levels.