Here are the highlights of todays (15/12) announcement of the future plans for the building regs

Part A

There are no plans for the wholesale revision of Part A but CLG will look at how Part A and the Approved Document might be updated, with references reflecting the standards based on Eurocodes.

Within the overall context of removing the burden of compliance CLG will also look to introduce a scheme of third-party certification (similar to the scheme in place in Scotland) as an alternative to the need for Building Control applications and checks.

Part B

CLG are dismissing the idea of extending the requirements to make sprinklers mandatory.

Despite a number of recent fires in timber-framed construction, these relate to risks during the construction phase, which is not within the scope of the Building Regulations. Whilst statistics do suggest that timber-framed buildings suffer greater fire damage than other building types, this has not resulted in a higher risk of injury. As a result there will be no need for changes to the Building Regulations

The issue of equality was raised over fire safety for people with disabilities in the case of fire. It was suggested that the existing provision was unacceptable as it permitted an approach that could leave a person with a disability within a building (albeit within a safe refuge) in the event of a fire evacuation. The Department does not have any evidence that the approach is, in practice, any less safe, and will keep the issue under review

Part C

CLG have expressed concern over existing provisions relating to radon gas. They will therefore examine alternative options for addressing the health risks from radon and the costs and benefits of these.

Part G

The Department received representations that the guidance on toilet provision discriminates against women. There is no factual evidence to support this so a study is to be commissioned – or put another way the CLG spokeswomen had nothing to go on ;).

Part L

The plans for part L have been clearly spelt out in the past and the report reinforces plans for the next phase to be introduced in April 2013. That notwithstanding, CLG recognised issues with the complexity of guidance, some of which was considered to be beyond the understanding of many. It was suggested that a key consequence of this complexity was that compliance suffered as people failed to understand what was required. CLG will review this complexity and hope to address the issue through simplified guidance.

Part M

By far the biggest area of response (600+) related to Changing Places and we can expect these to form part of the next version of Part M when its published in 2013.

There was also support for the Building Regulations being used to deliver standards for new housing that might more widely support independent living in older age, with specific reference to inclusion within the Regulations of Lifetime Homes Standards.

Part P

This requirement was criticized for penalising those who want to comply, whilst doing nothing to improve compliance amongst those who wish to avoid the rules. The requirement for part P certification is therefore to be reviewed.

Other matters

Parts MKN

In addition, as part of its everyday business, the Department receives queries from building control bodies and industry that suggest there is scope for rationalisation of Parts M, K and N. They will look at the opportunities and benefits that might be achieved with rationalisation, addressing areas of potential conflict and overlap. Though they are at pains to point out that this is not intended though to open these Parts to wider review.

Enforcement

CLG have committed to explore options to further improve enforcement (for example potential increases in the level of fines, introduction of civil sanctions) and incentives for responsible businesses.

They will also review the system including expanding roles for Appointed Persons, third party checking mechanisms and the role of insurance and warranties.

Planning

Finally CLG have indicated they will also be considering how to improve the interface with planning and other regulatory regimes and ensure a level playing field in the Building Control service.