FAQ's - night noise

What is the Residential Night Noise Insulation Scheme?*

As part of the Government’s new night flights regime announced in June 2006, the Government recommended that BAA Heathrow introduce a new domestic noise insulation scheme to address the impacts of night flights on local communities. 

The Residential Night Noise Insulation Scheme is based on the noise footprint of the noisiest aircraft regularly operating in the night quota period (23:30 - 06.00). 

Since the scheme is intended to mitigate the impact of night flights, rooms eligible for insulation will be bedrooms or bed-sitting rooms only (which are used as bedrooms on most days of the year). The scheme will provide noise insulation for all bedrooms or bed-sitting areas in approx 41,000 homes around Heathrow (see map enclosed).

How was the boundary for the scheme decided?

The contour prescribed by the Government represents a 90dBA SEL**deriving from the operation of the noisiest aircraft during the night quota period (**SEL = Sound Exposure Level - this is the total sound energy associated with a single noise event, measured in decibels).

At Heathrow the noisiest type in operation during the night quota period (11.30pm-6.30am) is the Boeing 747-400 aircraft.  The Secretary of State has decided that the 90dBA SEL footprint represents “a good indicator of the vicinity in which the probability of sleep disturbance from aircraft noise events becomes significant”.  

Am I eligible for the Residential Night Noise Insulation Scheme? And if so, how do I apply?

If you have received a copy of this letter, it is likely that you are eligible under the scheme. We have also enclosed a copy of the map which sets out the boundaries for the scheme. 

We will be inviting all eligible homeowners to take part in the scheme over the next 5 years. We will write to you when we are in your area inviting you to take up the scheme. Works will be carried out within a phased programme, starting with homes closest to Heathrow. However we are unable to give timescales as to when we will be in your area as the speed at which the scheme progresses depends on the take up rate of the scheme and the selection of choices available made by the local residents.

How long will the scheme last for?

The scheme will run for 5 years from the date of implementation and will then be reviewed. This is to take account of boundary changes where airlines have phased out the noisiest aircraft currently operating at night.   If the boundary changes and gets smaller there will be properties that will move outside the scheme. Where this happens BAA Heathrow will still offer noise insulation as long as an application was made before the boundary change.  We will be inviting everyone to take part in the scheme over the next 5 years.

Scheme details
 
What is provided under the scheme?  

You can choose between free secondary glazing or a 50% contribution towards high specification double glazed replacement windows.  BAA Heathrow will also provide free loft insulation and ventilation in eligible rooms.

You say this scheme only covers bedroom windows. What do you class as a ‘bedroom’?

Bedrooms and bed sittings rooms (which are used as bedrooms on most days of the year)  are defined as rooms used primarily for sleeping that are of sufficient size to accommodate at least a standard sized bed, and have their own source of natural light.***

Can I have a mixture of replacement windows and secondary glazing?

Yes

Can I have the rest of my house done at the same time?

While the scheme only covers bedrooms, you can take advantage of the rates negotiated by BAA Heathrow with the glazing contractor and choose to have other areas of your property insulated. These additional areas will be entirely at the homeowners cost. 

Can I pay for some of my windows to be glazed now and the rest at a later date?

No. Only one contract is accepted per household.  A contract must be in place 3 months from the date on the invitation letter, enclosing the application form, to take part in the scheme which will be sent to you once we are in your area.

What are my options with regard to ventilation?

There are regulations which set out the minimum level of ventilation required in rooms with secondary or double glazing. The surveyor will be able to advise you on this. Ventilation can be acoustic mechanical ventilation or passive ventilation such as an acoustic airbrick. This will be provided free of charge by BAA Heathrow in all eligible rooms. Residents will be responsible for 100% of costs in all other rooms in which they choose to replace windows.

No. Any windows (including windows in extensions) created subsequent to the initial survey will not qualify for any form of glazing under the scheme.

My flat is situated above commercial premises. Is it covered by the Scheme?

Yes, the bedroom windows in the residential part of the property are covered. Similarly, full time and permanent residential accommodation forming part of a commercial operation, such as pub landlords sleeping accommodation will also qualify. However, residential accommodation let on a short-term commercial basis, such as hotel rooms, does not qualify.

Do I have to use your supplier?

Yes. BAA Heathrow has undertaken a lengthy tender process to ensure we have the best supplier on-board in terms of providing value-for-money and good customer service. The rates we have negotiated are very competitive.

Does this scheme replace the existing daytime Residential Noise Insulation Scheme?

No, the daytime Residential Noise Insulation Scheme is a different scheme which is still on-going. For more information visit www.heathrowairport.com/noise

I have received insulation under the daytime Residential Noise Insulation Scheme, am I eligible for insulation under the Residential Night Noise Insulation Scheme as well?

Properties which have benefited from a previous noise insulation scheme administered by BAA Heathrow within 10 years of the launch (22 October 2007) of the Night Noise Insulation Scheme will not be eligible.

I wish to replace my existing windows which currently have Georgian bars/frosted glass in them. Will the scheme cover this?

Where a window to be replaced has a permanent feature such as Georgian bars, our Contractor will endeavour to replicate this feature within the replacement window and BAA Heathrow will bear 50% of the cost. Any additional features which are not part of the existing bedroom windows will have to be paid for by the householder.

I have more questions, who do I contact?

E-mail us at nightnoise@baa.com or telephone the scheme administrator on 0208 757 4888.