Building Regulations
Overview for England and Wales, Northern Ireland and
Scotland
The Building Regulations for the UK are generally split into
three:
The insulation-related regulations set out in each of these
areas are split into:
England and Wales
Governing body
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is
responsible for Building Regulations.
Mode of operation
If building work is being carried out, the Building Regulations
are likely to apply and will require certain standards to be met.
The Building Regulations are made under powers in the Building Act
(the primary legislation). Separate Planning Permission may also be
required for the work.
Checking that the Building Regulations have been complied with
is done by Building Control Bodies – either based in the Building
Control department of the local authority or established as an
Approved Inspector in the private sector.
Legislative framework
The legislative framework of the Building Regulations is
principally made up of:
- The Building Regulations 2000
- The Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2000
Intent
Standards for most aspects of a building's construction,
including its structure, fire safety, sound insulation, drainage,
ventilation and electrical safety. Electrical safety was added in
January 2005 to reduce the number of deaths, injuries and fires
caused by faulty electrical installations.
Energy efficiency in buildings. The changes to the regulations
on energy conservation which came into effect on 6 April 2006, will
save a million tonnes of carbon per year by 2010 and help to combat
climate change.
The needs of all people, including those with disabilities, in
accessing and moving around buildings. They set standards for
buildings to be accessible and hazard-free wherever possible.
For more information visit: www.planningportal.gov.uk
Northern Ireland
Governing body
The Department of Finance and Personnel (DFPNI) is responsible
for Building Regulations in Northern Ireland.
Mode of operation
If building work is being carried out, the Building Regulations
are likely to apply and will require certain standards to be
met.
If you intend to erect, alter or extend a building, to install
services, fittings or works to a building, or to materially change
the use of a building, you must first seek approval to do so from
your district council. This may involve the submission of plans or
(for domestic applications) a building notice to your local
Building Control Office.
Legislative framework
The enactment of the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland)
Order was in 1972, which was subsequently amended in 1978, before
being replaced by the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) Order
1979 (as amended 1990). The 1979 Order is itself currently under
review.
The role of the Department
Under the 1979 Order, the Department is empowered to write
Building Regulations for certain matters set out in the Order. The
current regulations are the Building Regulations (NI) 2000.
Intent
Building Regulations set requirements and standards for building
that can reasonably be attained, having regard for the health,
safety, welfare and convenience of people in or around buildings
and others affected by buildings or building matters. They also
further the conservation of fuel and power, and make provision for
access to buildings. In addition to its role in writing
regulations, it is also the appeals body for all the current
appeals procedures defined by the Order. It may also, on request
from an applicant, decide to relax or dispense with certain
requirements of the building regulations.
For more information, visit www.dfpni.gov.uk
Scotland
Governing body
The Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA) is responsible for
delivering the Scottish building standards system.
Mode of operation
The building standards system in Scotland is established by the
Building (Scotland) Act 2003. The Act gives powers to Scottish
Ministers to make building regulations, procedure regulations, fees
regulations and other supporting legislation as necessary, to
fulfil the purposes of the Act.
The purposes include setting building standards and dealing with
dangerous and defective buildings. The various regulations are made
by Scottish Ministers, but must be approved by the Scottish
Parliament before coming into force.
The system is intended to ensure that building work on both new
and existing buildings results in buildings that meet reasonable
standards.
Legislative framework
The Building (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Building (Procedure)
(Scotland) Regulations 2004.
The role of the Department
- Advise Ministers on policy development, delivery and evaluation
on the Building Standards system across Scotland;
- Implement Ministers‘ policies on building standards;
- Develop technical guidance for the standard of new buildings
and the improvement of the existing stock;
- Provide technical support on all Building Standards related
work undertaken by the Executive;
Encourage innovation
- Respond to references made to Scottish Ministers under Section
12 of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003;
- Develop fees, regulations and procedures regulations to support
the new building standards system;
- Assist in the development and implementation of European
standards and Directives relating to the standard of
buildings;
- Research to support and enhance the building standards
system
Intent
The Scottish Building Standards Agency will work on behalf of
Scottish Ministers to:
- promote the health, safety, welfare and convenience of people
in and around buildings;
- further the conservation of fuel and power
- further the achievement of sustainable development.
For more information, visit www.sbsa.gov.uk
Thermal Regulations
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Acoustic Regulations
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Fire Regulations
|
Moisture Regulations
