May Walters Acoustics

May Walters Acoustic Consultants (MW Acoustics), specialise in padel and MUGA noise research and impact assessments. Director Martin Higgins is a qualified acoustician and Associate Member of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA). In 2024 he independently researched and published the most comprehensive noise assessment of padel courts. This research was incorporated into training programs developed for the CIEH (Chartered Institute of Environmental Health) to which he has subsequently presented the findings, and the research was then presented for peer review at the IOA (Institute of Acoustics) Annual Conference in 2025.

This research accurately measured all of the sound created by padel, including composition and frequency of impact noise, which was benchmarked to tennis to allow a more robust and easily relatable comparison. The findings allowed creation of a model which accurately predicts the levels of noise propagating from a padel court at different sites, creating more certainty when acquiring planning permission in line with current UK planning guidance.

All acoustic monitoring by MW Acoustics is conducted with a Class 1 sound level meter, all work on projects is performed by individuals with qualifications with the IOA (Institute of Acoustics).

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