The Governments intention to review the Building Regulations was announced in July 2010.
A consultation process was undertaken which ended in October and on the 16th December 2010 the Building Regulation Minister; Andrew Stunell issued a statement outlining the next stage in the review process.
With due regard to responses to the consultation, a programme of work commenced in January 2011 on establishing changes that may need to be made to Building Regulations to ensure that they are "fit for purpose and deliver their contribution to Government policy goals".
The target date for completion of the review and implementation has been set for 2013.
The key objectives of the review are stated as:-
• Identify where regulations need to be improved or extended
• Identify where there are opportunities to reduce the regulatory burden
• Identify how better levels of compliance can be achieved
The Minister concluded it remained the "Departments" view that Building Regulations should continue as the national minimum standard for building work compliance, however, whilst it was accepted that regulations were generally fit for purpose, there could be improvement.
In developing the programme of review, the Minister has said that the Government are mindful of the need to reduce the regulatory costs to businesses and will specifically consider the impact on house builders with the aim of contributing to the achievement of the Spending Review Commitment to reduce regulatory costs over the terms of the current Parliament.
The main areas to be considered are:
Part L
The review will aim to ensue that Part L supports the delivery of the Governments commitment to increasing energy efficiency representing a step towards zero carbon buildings. This will include looking at provisions for the existing building stock with regard to energy policy in terms of reducing carbon emissions including the "Green Deal". The review will also look at how to achieve high levels of compliance.
New Provisions
1. Is there a case for ensuring suitable toilet and changing provisions for people with multiple and profound disabilities - referred to as "Changing Places"
2. Is there a case for setting minimum standards for security in homes and would national regulations be more effective than voluntary and local intervention.
Deregulation
1. There are concerns with meeting the requirements of Part P and if it has achieved the safety outcomes it was intended to support. If it is to be retained how can the cost of compliance be minimised.
2. There are overlaps between provisions within Parts K, M and N. Opportunities for rationalisation will be examined.
3. Whilst mandatory accessibility provisions for compliance with Part M should be retained, is an Access Statement always necessary?
The Building Control System
The Government believe there is scope to enhance compliance whilst reducing the burden on users of the system.
Evidence will be obtained regarding actual levels of compliance with Building Regulations and reasons for non-compliance. Options will be examined for improvements to secure better enforcement whilst providing incentives for responsible businesses.
Consideration will be given as to how to improve "the interface" with Planning and other "standards regimes".
if you want to find out more about this news item or would like to discuss your next project with us, call us on 0844 873 3663 or email Stuart Truss at stuart.truss@pgsurveyors.co.uk. Early consultation will ensure we always keep you up to date with future regulatory changes and their potential impact.
The complete review programme and a more detailed summary of the options for change being considered can be found in "Future Changes to the Building Regulations - The Next Steps" which is available at:-
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/buildingregsnextsteps
