UK Building Regulation Updates: What’s Changing and When?

The UK building regulations are frequently updated. June 2022 saw one of the largest changes in recent history: a brand new Part O and Part S were introduced, alongside updates to Part L and Part F. Many of these changes are preparation for the Future Homes Standard which is due to come into effect in 2025 and will dramatically reduce the carbon emissions new homes produce.

With its strong focus on reducing carbon emissions produced by buildings, changes to Part L are well documented and discussed within our industry. However, in recent months, other regulations have been updated – here are a few you might have missed.

Part F – Ventilation

Part F has been updated to mitigate the problems caused by the increased air tightness and thermal performance of buildings, such as condensation issues and mould growth. Under the new legislation, ventilation methods have changed alongside the minimum whole dwelling ventilation rates.

Part O – Overheating

Rules surrounding air tightness and thermal performance also increase the risk of buildings overheating and so Part O has been created to reduce the likelihood of this occurring. The new legislation details two different methods for demonstrating compliance: the Simplified Method and the Dynamic Thermal Modelling Method.

Those building homes will need to consider factors such as cross ventilation, total amount of glazing, window sizing and window design.

Part R – Physical infrastructure for high-speed electronic communications networks

The latest version of Approved Document R came into effect in December 2022. This new legislation is designed to ensure new dwellings or other substantially altered buildings to have the facility for highspeed internet connections.

This will involve an application to a network provider at design stage to demonstrate if a service is available and a connectivity plan will need to be submitted with your building regulations application. As receiving the information from a network provider will take some time, we strongly recommend clients to submit the applications as early as possible.

Part S – Infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles

From 15th June 2022, new buildings will be required to demonstrate they have appropriate infrastructure in place for charging electric vehicles. This new legislation provides technical guidance on this subject.

Part T – Toilets (Effective 1 October 2024)

From 1 October 2024, Approved Document Part T provides guidance on the design and layout of toilet facilities in non-residential buildings. The regulation emphasizes the provision of separate single-sex toilets, with allowances for universal toilets where space permits. In cases where space is limited, fully enclosed universal toilets should be provided to enhance inclusivity and accessibility in public and commercial buildings.

Part B – Fire Safety (Upcoming Changes in March 2025)

Changes to Approved Document Part B (Fire Safety) will take effect from March 2025. These updates aim to improve fire safety measures in new and existing buildings by:

• • Sprinklers in Care Homes: Mandatory installation of sprinklers in all new care homes, regardless of height.
  • Removal of National Classes: The elimination of the national classification system (BS 476) for reaction to fire and roofs, transitioning to the European Standard (BS EN 13501).
  • Fire Safety Information (Regulation 38): Enhanced requirements for providing fire safety information to building owners and operators upon project completion.

Additionally, the requirement for second staircases in new residential buildings over 18 meters is scheduled to take effect on 30 September 2026, not March 2025 as previously mentioned.

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We are a Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA), with Registered Building Inspectors (RBI’s) ranging from Class 2 to Class 3 G & H. We inspect all types and sizes of projects ranging from residential, industrial to commercial.