Jonathan Braddick - RIBA Chartered Architect Devon
01395 265768

The building regulations are produced by the government and are regularly updated to make sure buildings are safe, energy efficient and accessible to all. Building Regulation applications show how an individual project will adhere to these standards.

If you are intending to undertake a building project, even if it is covered by Permitted Development Rights, you will need to gain building regulations approval. To obtain Full Plans Approval, you will need to provide a set of drawings that include specifications and notes showing how your building or extension will meet the requirements of the regulations, which are outlined below.

In order to simplify the implementation of all the legislation, the government has produced a set of ‘approved documents’. These ‘approved documents’ spell out in plain English steps how to achieve compliance with the regulations.

The documents are split into 14 sections as detailed below:

 Part A        Structural Safety

                      This document covers the structural requirements of your   .................building project including its load bearing on the ground.

Part B       Fire Safety - Volume 1

                   Covers dwelling houses.

                   Fire Safety - Volume 2

                   Covers buildings other than dwelling houses.

Part C      Resistance to Contaminants & Moisture

         This document covers the resistance to contaminants and  ..............moisture that are found in the ground such as hydrocarbons ..............or asbestos.

Part D    Toxic Substances

         This document covers the use of urea formaldehyde foam ..............insulation.

Part E      Resistance to Sound

                   This document covers the requirement for soundproofing.

Part F      Ventilation

            This document covers the requirement for natural or .....................mechanical ventilation

Part G      Sanitation, Hot Water Safety and Water  Efficiency

         This document covers the supply of hot and cold water ...............including water-heating appliances

Part H    Drainage and Waste Disposal

           This document covers the disposal of surface water and foul .............waste

Part J      Heat Producing Appliances

              This document covers different forms of heating from .....................electrical to solid fuel

Part K     Protection from Falling

          This document covers the protection of falling including .................handrails, balconies and balustrades for stairs, for example

Part L   Conservation of Fuel & Power - L1A

               Covers the thermal efficiency of new dwelling houses

               Conservation of Fuel & Power - L1B

              Covers the thermal efficiency of existing dwelling houses.