Building Regulations

The Building Regulations are made under powers provided in the Building Act 1984, and apply in England and Wales. The current edition of the regulations is 'The Building Regulations 2010' and the majority of building projects are required to comply with them. The Building Regulations contain various sections dealing with definitions, procedures, and what is expected in terms of the technical performance of building work.

Guidance on meeting the requirements of the Building Regulation legislation can be found in what are known as the ‘Approved Documents’. Each Approved Document deals with a particular requirement as listed below:

• Part A (Structural safety)
• Part B1 (Fire safety - Dwellinghouses)
• Part B2 (Fire safety - Buildings other than dwellinghouses)
• Part C (Resistance to moisture and weather)
• Part D (Toxic Substances)
• Part E (Resistance to sound)
• Part F (Ventilation)
• Part G (Hygiene)
• Part H (Drainage and waste disposal)
• Part J (Heat producing appliances)
• Part K (Protection from falling)
• Part L1A (Conservation of fuel and power - New Dwellings)
• Part L1B (Conservation of fuel and power - Existing Dwellings)
• Part L2A (Conservation of fuel and power - New buildings other than dwellings)
• Part L2B (Conservation of fuel and power - Existing Buildings other than dwellings)
• Part M (Access to and Use of Buildings)
• Part N (Glazing safety)
• Part P (Electrical Safety)

The above list includes the new Approved Documents F, J & L. For an overview of changes made to the documents please refer to our Latest News page.

The Approved Documents and other supporting technical guidance are available online from the Planning Portal