About Opal Acoustics
About Richard, Director of Acoustics
I have worked as an acoustic consultant for over 15 years, spending the bulk of that time at senior and Director level within a specialist consultancy. Over that period I have delivered acoustic work for national housebuilders and small local developers, for regional pub chains and individual bar operators, for multi-academy trusts and individual schools, and for major retail operators running large-scale new build programmes.
The scale of what I have worked on ranges from a single residential conversion to multi-phase development programmes running across several years. That breadth matters, because most acoustic problems in practice are not especially unusual. Recognising a flanking path, understanding what a planning authority actually needs from a noise report, knowing where the real compliance risk sits in a particular construction detail — these things come from doing the work, repeatedly, across a wide range of situations.
I am based in Guiseley, a well-connected part of West Yorkshire that puts me within easy reach of Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and the wider regional development market. I have detailed knowledge of local planning policy and building regulations requirements across the area.
Professional Credentials
Institute of Acoustics (IOA)
I am a full member of the Institute of Acoustics, the UK's professional body for those working in acoustics, noise and vibration. IOA membership is recognised by planning authorities, Building Control bodies and professional clients as the benchmark standard for practising acoustic consultants.
Working with an IOA member means you are instructing a consultant who meets the Institute's standards of professional knowledge, carries professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and is subject to its code of professional conduct.
Standards and Technical Practice
Regular work against BS4142:2014+A1:2019, BS8233, ProPG, BB93, Approved Document E, Approved Document F, WHO guidelines on environmental noise, and NPPF planning policy. Detailed knowledge of local authority acoustic requirements across Leeds, Bradford, North Yorkshire, Wakefield and beyond.
What I have worked on
| Residential new build and conversion | Multi-phase housebuilder programmes through to individual conversions |
| Change of use to residential | Office-to-residential, commercial-to-residential, HMO conversions |
| Education | Primary, secondary and further education under BB93 |
| Supermarkets and large-format retail | New build programmes for national operators |
| Cinema and leisure | Multiplex cinemas and large-scale leisure facilities |
| Bars, restaurants and licensed premises | National chains through to independent operators |
| Hotels and serviced accommodation | New build and refurbishment |
| Healthcare | Primary care and clinical environments |
Where I work
Guiseley sits close to the A65, with direct access to the M65, M62 and A1(M). Most sites across Yorkshire are within an hour's drive, and I regularly work across:
For the right project I am happy to travel further. Get in touch and I can confirm coverage before you commit to an instruction.