Lucion Welcomes Rob Kirkaldy as Head of Acoustics 

Having graduated with a first-class honours degree in Acoustics from the University of Salford, Rob has built an impressive 20-year career delivering complex acoustic assessments across environmental, residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

His appointment to Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd comes at a pivotal moment for the acoustics industry, with major regulatory developments reshaping how acoustic consultants approach environmental noise assessments and planning applications across the UK.

A Changing Regulatory Landscape

The acoustics sector is entering a period of significant transformation, with two major developments set to impact how acoustic assessments are conducted:

BS 8233:2026 “Sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings”

Scheduled for publication in September 2026, the upcoming revision of BS 8233:2014 “Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings” represents the most significant update to noise control standards in over a decade.

The widely adopted British Standard, which guides acceptable indoor and outdoor noise levels for residential and mixed-use developments, is being comprehensively revised to address modern acoustic challenges in an increasingly dense urban environment.

Key changes in BS 8233:2026 include:

• Revised structure and terminology – providing greater clarity between internal and external noise levels, with separate guidance for amenity spaces, build-to-rent schemes, and co-living models
• Introduction of Lden and Lnight metrics – long-term composite noise indicators drawn from ISO 1996 series and EU Environmental Noise Directive mapping
• Clearer scope boundaries – the standard explicitly excludes industrial and commercial sound, reinforcing BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 as the definitive method for assessing such sources
• Integration with sustainability objectives – attempting to balance acoustic comfort with overheating and ventilation regulations (Part F), energy performance (Part L) outlined in the Future Homes Standards, and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

The changes will require acoustic consultants to adapt their approach to planning applications, with increased emphasis on ventilation strategy, façade insulation, and amenity trade-offs, particularly in urban areas where noise pressure is greatest.

England’s Land Use Framework – Noise as a Strategic Priority

Published in March 2026, the Land Use Framework for England (LUF) by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) marks the first time the government has set out a coherent national vision for sustainable land management. Significantly, the framework explicitly recognises noise pollution as a key environmental pressure that must be addressed in strategic land use planning.

The Land Use Framework highlights:

• Multifunctional land use – balancing housing, infrastructure, nature recovery, and food security whilst managing environmental pressures, including noise pollution
• Data-driven decision-making – the government’s commitment to “make land digital” by improving access to environmental data, including noise pollution mapping
• Environmental data integration – modernising environmental datasets to include air quality, artificial light, and noise pollution layers in common mapping platforms

The Land Use Framework moves beyond site-specific acoustic assessments to landscape-scale planning that considers cumulative environmental impacts.

Rob’s Expertise and Track Record

As our Head of Acoustics, Rob brings extensive experience across a diverse portfolio of acoustic projects, with particular expertise in:

• Noise impact and planning assessments
• Residential (including mixeduse) developments;
• Retail and public house developments;
• Distribution centres and commercial parks;
• Noise complaint investigations;
• Expert witness work; and
• Construction and operational mitigation strategies.

Throughout his career, Rob has led project teams and provided strategic technical guidance whilst consistently driving business growth through strong commercial awareness and client development. His proven track record in delivering high-quality, commercially viable acoustic solutions makes him ideally suited to guide our acoustics team through this period of regulatory change.

Rob commented on his appointment to Lucion saying:

“I’m delighted to join Lucion Delta-Simons at such an exciting time for the acoustics sector. With significant changes on the horizon, there’s never been a more important time to deliver strategic, technically robust acoustic solutions. Developments in British Standard 8233 and Land Use Framework and Future Homes Standards will fundamentally change how we approach noise assessments, particularly for residential and mixed-use schemes in urban areas.  

I look forward to working with the team to build on Lucion Delta-Simons’ excellent reputation and support our clients in navigating this evolving landscape whilst delivering practical, commercially sound outcomes.” 

Martin Lucass, Business Unit Director, said:

“Rob’s appointment represents a significant strengthening of our acoustics capability at exactly the right time. His proven track record in leading complex projects, combined with his strong technical expertise and commercial acumen, makes him ideally placed to guide our acoustics service through the next phase of growth. As the regulatory landscape, the changes ahead will require consultants who can not only interpret new technical requirements but also translate them into practical, deliverable solutions. 

Rob has demonstrated throughout his career that he excels in exactly this type of environment and we’re thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the contribution he’ll make to our continued success.” 

Noise Impact and Acoustic Services

For more information about Lucion Delta-Simons‘ acoustics services or to speak with Rob Kirkaldy about your project requirements, please contact our team at [email protected]