Following recent UK planning policy shifts enabling housing developments on land adjacent to railway lines, light rail networks and transport hubs, specialist composite manufacturer Gilcrest has introduced its newly launched Sonocore Fence Panel, which reduces unwanted noise transmission by up to 25dB.
As local authorities and housebuilders prepare to unlock complex, near-transit sites, managing environmental acoustic levels has become a top priority. Designed and manufactured in Britain, the Sonocore panel uses a closed-cell foam core encased in 0.8mm leather-grain coated steel to deliver severe sound attenuation, reducing unwanted noise transmission by up to 25dB (Rw). The product is independently lab-tested to BS EN ISO 10140-2 and BS EN 1793-2 and to the human ear, this represents a sound reduction of up to five times.
The high-performance acoustic barrier solves multiple compliance and lifestyle challenges across modern site developments.
In rail and transport hubs, the panels dampen low and high-frequency noise from passing trains and trams, turning previously noisy transit-adjacent land into quiet, high-value residential plots.
The panels block out operational humming and air-flow sounds from heat pumps, helping developers meet strict local authority boundary noise standards as more opt for clean heating options.
They are also great for industrial and commercial boundaries as they prevent facility noise from factories, logistics hubs and manufacturing sites from spilling into surrounding neighbourhoods.
Unlike traditional timber fencing, the steel-composite Sonocore system features double-sided panels that will not rot, warp or fade, requiring zero ongoing treatments or painting. Site installation efficiency is also built into the system: the modular tongue-and-groove boards weigh approximately 8kg each, allowing a straightforward, one-person lift into standard 1.8m slotted post configurations without heavy machinery or wrestling with full-height panels.
Chris Honer, CEO at Gilcrest, commented:
“Opening up land near key transport links is a vital move for UK housing delivery, but sustainable development must protect residents’ quality of life. The Sonocore Fence Panel gives housebuilders and local planners a proven, British-made solution to meet strict environmental acoustic targets. By cutting noise pollution by up to 25dB right at the boundary, whether from nearby rail lines, heat pumps or commercial sites, we are helping turn challenging plots into peaceful, thriving communities.”
Gilcrest is inviting local councils, housebuilders, civil engineers and master planners to request technical specification sheets and acoustic testing data.
To learn more about integrating Sonocore into upcoming planning applications, visit gilcrestmanufacturing.com or contact the technical support team at 0117 316 7020 / sales@gilcrestmanufacturing.com
