Building Regulations

The regulations apply to most new buildings and many alterations of existing buildings, whether domestic, commercial or industrial. Many building projects may also require planning permission which is dealt with as a separate matter.

Building Regulations apply in England and Wales and promote:

• 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.

The Communities and Local Government publishes guidance on meeting the requirements in what are known as Approved Documents, which are listed below. To view or download an Approved Document, visit  the Planning Portal website.

• Approved Document A - Structure
• Approved Document B (Fire safety) – Volume 1: Dwelling houses (2006 Edition)
• Approved Document B (Fire safety) – Volume 2 - Buildings other than dwelling houses (2006 Edition)
• Approved Document C - Site preparation and resistance to contaminates and moisture
• Approved Document D - Toxic substances
• Approved Document E - Resistance to the passage of sound
• Approved Document F - Ventilation (2006 edition)
• Approved Document G - Hygiene
• Approved Document H - Drainage and waste disposal
• Approved Document J - Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
• Approved Document K - Protection from falling, collision and impact
• Approved Document L1A: Conservation of fuel and power (New dwellings) 2006 edition
• Approved Document L1B: Conservation of fuel and power (existing dwellings) 2006 edition
• Approved Document L2A: Conservation of fuel and power (New buildings other than dwellings) (2006 edition)
• Approved Document L2B: Conservation of fuel and power (Existing buildings other than dwellings) (2006 edition)
• Approved Document M - Access to and use of buildings
• Approved Document N : Glazing - safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning
• Approved Document P: Electrical safety - dwellings (2006 edition)
• Approved Document to support Regulation 7 - Material and workmanship