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

The UK building regulations are frequently updated. June 2022 marked one of the biggest 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 updates prepare for the Future Homes Standard, which comes into effect in 2025. This will significantly reduce the carbon emissions new homes produce.

Changes to Part L, focused on reducing carbon emissions, have been widely discussed across the industry. However, other recent updates have received less attention. Here are a few you might have missed:

Part F – Ventilation

Part F now addresses issues caused by improved air tightness and thermal performance, such as condensation and mould. The updated regulations include new ventilation methods and revised minimum whole dwelling ventilation rates.

Part O – Overheating

Improved air tightness also raises the risk of overheating. Part O tackles this by introducing two methods for compliance: the Simplified Method and the Dynamic Thermal Modelling Method.

Those building homes must now consider cross ventilation, total glazing, and the size and design of windows.

Part R – Infrastructure for High-Speed Electronic Communications

The latest version of Approved Document R took effect in December 2022. It ensures new or significantly altered buildings are equipped for high-speed internet connections.

Applicants must contact a network provider during the design stage to confirm service availability. A connectivity plan must also be submitted with the building regulations application. Since responses from providers may take time, we strongly recommend submitting applications early.

Part S – Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

From 15 June 2022, new buildings must include infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. The regulation outlines the technical requirements for compliance.

Part T – Toilets (Effective 1 October 2024)

From 1 October 2024, Approved Document Part T provides guidance on designing toilet facilities in non-residential buildings. The update emphasises single-sex toilets, with universal toilets allowed where space permits. Where space is tight, fully enclosed universal toilets should be installed to improve accessibility and inclusivity in public and commercial spaces.

Part B – Fire Safety (Changes from March 2025)

Updates to Approved Document Part B take effect in March 2025. These aim to improve fire safety in both new and existing buildings. Key changes include:

• Mandatory sprinklers in all new care homes, regardless of height.
• Removal of national fire classification (BS 476) in favour of the European Standard (BS EN 13501).
• Stronger requirements for providing fire safety information (Regulation 38) to building owners and operators at project completion.

Additionally, the requirement for second staircases in new residential buildings over 18 metres will begin on 30 September 2026, not March 2025 as previously stated.

Get in Touch

We are a Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA), with Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) ranging from Class 2 to Class 3 G & H. Our team inspects all types and sizes of projects—residential, industrial, and commercial.