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Building Act 1984
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Changes over time for: Section 52
Changes to legislation:
Building Act 1984, Section 52 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 30 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
Changes to Legislation
Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.
Changes and effects yet to be applied to Section 52:
- s. 1(1A)(d) inserted by 2015 c. 7 s. 37(2)
- s. 44(11) inserted by 2004 c. 22 s. 3(8)
- s. 95(5) inserted by 2022 c. 30 s. 60(2)
- s. 131A inserted by 2022 c. 30 s. 59
- s. 131B inserted by 2022 c. 30 s. 60(3)
- Sch. 1 para. 7A inserted by 2015 c. 7 s. 37(4)
Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act associated Parts and Chapters:
Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):
- s. 1(1A)(d) inserted by 2015 c. 7 s. 37(2)
- s. 44(11) inserted by 2004 c. 22 s. 3(8)
- s. 95(5) inserted by 2022 c. 30 s. 60(2)
- s. 131A inserted by 2022 c. 30 s. 59
- s. 131B inserted by 2022 c. 30 s. 60(3)
- Sch. 1 para. 7A inserted by 2015 c. 7 s. 37(4)
52 Cancellation of initial notice.E+W
(1)If, at a time when an initial notice is in force—
(a)the [F1registered building control approver] becomes or expects to become unable to carry out (or to continue to carry out) [F2their] functions with respect to any of the work [F3to which the initial notice relates],
(b)the [F4registered building control approver] is of the opinion that any of the work is being so carried out that [F5they are] unable adequately to carry out [F6their] functions with respect to it, F7...
(c)the [F8registered building control approver] is of the opinion that there is a contravention of any provision of building regulations with respect to any of that work and the circumstances are as mentioned in subsection (2) below,
[F9(d)the registered building control approver is given a disciplinary order under section 58U(2)(b) (variation of registration) such that the registered building control approver is no longer able to carry out the registered building control approver’s functions with respect to the work to which the initial notice relates,
(e)the registered building control approver is given a disciplinary order under section 58U(2)(c) (suspension of registration) or an order under section 58V (interim suspension for suspected serious contravention), or
(f)it appears to the registered building control approver that a prescribed circumstance exists,]
the [F10registered building control approver, or in the case of paragraph (e) the person shown in the initial notice as the registered building control approver, must] cancel the initial notice by notice in the prescribed form given to the local authority concerned and to the person carrying out or intending to carry out the work.
(2)The circumstances referred to in subsection (1)(c) above are—
(a)that the [F11registered building control approver] has, in accordance with building regulations, given notice of the contravention to the person carrying out the work [F12or intending to carry out the work], and
(b)that, within the prescribed period, [F13the prescribed steps are not taken by the person who, in accordance with building regulations, is required to take them].
[F14(3)If, at a time when an initial notice is in force, it appears to the person carrying out or intending to carry out the work to which the notice relates that—
(a)the registered building control approver is no longer willing or able to carry out the registered building control approver’s functions with respect to any of that work, or
(b)a prescribed circumstance exists,
the person must cancel the initial notice by notice in the prescribed form given to the local authority concerned and, if it is practicable to do so, to the registered building control approver.]
(4)If a person fails without reasonable excuse to give to a local authority a notice that he is required to give by subsection [F15(1) or] (3) above, he is liable on summary conviction to a fine F16....
(5)[F17If, at a time when an initial notice is in force, it appears to the local authority by whom the initial notice was accepted that the work to which the initial notice relates has not been commenced within the period of three years beginning on the date on which the initial notice was accepted, the authority may cancel the initial notice by notice in the prescribed form given
(a)to the approved inspector by whom the initial notice was given, and
(b)to the person shown in the initial notice as the person intending to carry out the work.]
[F18(5A)If, at a time when an initial notice is in force, it appears to the local authority concerned that a condition in subsection (5B) is satisfied, the authority must cancel the initial notice by notice in the prescribed form given to—
(a)the person shown in the initial notice as the registered building control approver, and
(b)the person shown in the initial notice as the person intending to carry out the work.
(5B)The conditions are—
(a)the registered building control approver is given a disciplinary order under section 58U(2)(b) (variation of registration) such that the registered building control approver is no longer able to carry out the registered building control approver’s functions with respect to the work to which the initial notice relates;
(b)the registered building control approver is given a disciplinary order under section 58U(2)(c) (suspension of registration) or an order under section 58V (interim suspension for suspected serious contravention);
(c)the registered building control approver is given a disciplinary order under section 58U(2)(d) (cancellation of registration);
(d)the registered building control approver has their registration cancelled under section 58Z6(2) (serious contravention notices);
(e)a prescribed circumstance exists.]
(6)A notice under subsection (1), (3) or [F19(5A)] above has the effect of cancelling the initial notice to which it relates with effect from the day on which the notice is given.
[F20(7)Before cancelling an initial notice under subsection (5A) based on a condition in subsection (5B)(a), (b) or (e), the local authority must—
(a)give the person shown in the initial notice as the registered building control approver a notice in the prescribed form at least seven days before the day on which the initial notice is to be cancelled, and
(b)have regard to any representations made to the local authority during that period.]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 52(1)(a) substituted (6.4.2024 except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W.) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), s. 170(4)(b)(c), Sch. 4 para. 10(2)(a)(i); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(b) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(x) (with regs. 3, 4, 6, 8-12)
F2Word in s. 52(1)(a) substituted (6.4.2024 except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W.) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), s. 170(4)(b)(c), Sch. 4 para. 10(2)(a)(ii); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(b) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(x) (with regs. 3, 4, 6, 8-12)
F3Words in s. 52(1)(a) substituted (14.10.1996) by S.I. 1996/1905, art. 3(6)(a)
F4Words in s. 52(1)(b) substituted (6.4.2024 except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W.) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), s. 170(4)(b)(c), Sch. 4 para. 10(2)(b)(i); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(b) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(x) (with regs. 3, 4, 6, 8-12)
F5Words in s. 52(1)(b) substituted (6.4.2024 except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W.) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), s. 170(4)(b)(c), Sch. 4 para. 10(2)(b)(ii); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(b) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(x) (with regs. 3, 4, 6, 8-12)
F6Word in s. 52(1)(b) substituted (6.4.2024 except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W.) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), s. 170(4)(b)(c), Sch. 4 para. 10(2)(b)(iii); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(b) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(x) (with regs. 3, 4, 6, 8-12)
F7Word in s. 52(1) omitted (6.4.2023 for specified purposes except in relation to W., 5.9.2023 for W. for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 in force in so far as not already in force except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W. in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), ss. 50(2)(a), 170(4)(b)(c); S.I. 2023/362, reg. 3(1)(v); S.I. 2023/914, reg. 2(b)(xii); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(f) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(vi) (with regs. 3, 4, 8-12)
F8Words in s. 52(1)(c) substituted (6.4.2024 except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W.) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), s. 170(4)(b)(c), Sch. 4 para. 10(2)(c); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(b) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(x) (with regs. 3, 4, 6, 8-12)
F9S. 52(1)(d)-(f) inserted (6.4.2023 for specified purposes except in relation to W., 5.9.2023 for W. for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 in force in so far as not already in force except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W. in so far as not already in force) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), ss. 50(2)(b), 170(4)(b)(c); S.I. 2023/362, reg. 3(1)(v); S.I. 2023/914, reg. 2(b)(xii); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(f) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(vi) (with regs. 3, 4, 8-12)
F10Words in s. 52(1) substituted (6.4.2023 for specified purposes except in relation to W., 5.9.2023 for W. for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 in force in so far as not already in force except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W. in so far as not already in force) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), ss. 50(2)(c), 170(4)(b)(c); S.I. 2023/362, reg. 3(1)(v); S.I. 2023/914, reg. 2(b)(xii); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(f) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(vi) (with regs. 3, 4, 8-12)
F11Words in s. 52(2)(a) substituted (6.4.2024 except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W.) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), s. 170(4)(b)(c), Sch. 4 para. 10(3); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(b) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(x) (with regs. 3, 4, 6, 8-12)
F12Words in s. 52(2)(a) inserted (1.2.2006) by Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act 2004 (c. 22), ss. 8(3)(a), 11(3); S.I. 2006/224, art. 2(c)
F13Words in s. 52(2)(b) substituted (1.2.2006) by Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act 2004 (c. 22), ss. 8(3)(b), 11(3); S.I. 2006/224, art. 2(c)
F14S. 52(3) substituted (6.4.2023 for specified purposes except in relation to W., 5.9.2023 for W. for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 in force in so far as not already in force except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W. in so far as not already in force) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), ss. 50(3), 170(4)(b)(c); S.I. 2023/362, reg. 3(1)(v); S.I. 2023/914, reg. 2(b)(xii); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(f) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(vi) (with regs. 3, 4, 8-12)
F15Words in s. 52(4) inserted (6.4.2023 for specified purposes except in relation to W., 5.9.2023 for W. for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 in force in so far as not already in force except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W. in so far as not already in force) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), ss. 50(4), 170(4)(b)(c); S.I. 2023/362, reg. 3(1)(v); S.I. 2023/914, reg. 2(b)(xii); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(f) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(vi) (with regs. 3, 4, 8-12)
F16Words in s. 52(4) omitted (1.10.2023 except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W.) by virtue of Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), s. 170(4)(b)(c), Sch. 5 para. 44(2); S.I. 2023/993, reg. 2(n)(xviii); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(xi), Sch. (with regs. 3, 4, 8-12)
F17S. 52(5) omitted (6.4.2023 for specified purposes except in relation to W., 5.9.2023 for W. for specified purposes, 1.10.2023 in so far as not already in force except in relation to W.) by virtue of Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), ss. 36(5), 170(4)(b)(c); S.I. 2023/362, reg. 3(1)(o); S.I. 2023/914, reg. 2(b)(iii); S.I. 2023/993, reg. 2(g) (with regs. 3, 5)
F18S. 52(5A)(5B) inserted (6.4.2023 for specified purposes except in relation to W., 5.9.2023 for W. for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 in force in so far as not already in force except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W. in so far as not already in force) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), ss. 50(5), 170(4)(b)(c); S.I. 2023/362, reg. 3(1)(v); S.I. 2023/914, reg. 2(b)(xii); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(f) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(vi) (with regs. 3, 4, 8-12)
F19Word in s. 52(6) substituted (6.4.2024 except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W.) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), s. 170(4)(b)(c), Sch. 5 para. 44(3); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(j)(ii) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(xi), Sch. (with regs. 3, 4, 8-12)
F20S. 52(7) inserted (6.4.2023 for specified purposes except in relation to W., 5.9.2023 for W. for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 in force in so far as not already in force except in relation to W., 6.4.2024 for W. in so far as not already in force) by Building Safety Act 2022 (c. 30), ss. 50(6), 170(4)(b)(c); S.I. 2023/362, reg. 3(1)(v); S.I. 2023/914, reg. 2(b)(xii); S.I. 2024/104, reg. 2(f) (with reg. 3); S.I. 2024/207, reg. 2(d)(vi) (with regs. 3, 4, 8-12)
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