The Building Regulations &c. (Amendment) Regulations 2015

Citation, extent, application and commencement

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Building Regulations &c. (Amendment) Regulations 2015.

(2) These Regulations extend to England and Wales.

(3) These Regulations do not apply in relation to any building in Wales other than an excepted energy building, and “excepted energy building” shall have the same meaning as in the Schedule to the Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions) (No.2) Order 2009(1).

(4) These Regulations come into force on the following dates—

(a) this regulation and regulation 2(10)(a) and (12) on 18th April 2015;

(b) all remaining regulations, except regulation 2(10)(b), on 1st October 2015; and

(c) regulation 2(10)(b) on 31st December 2015.

Amendments to the Building Regulations 2010

2.—(1) The Building Regulations 2010(2) are amended in accordance with the following paragraphs.

(2) In regulation 2(1) (interpretation)—

(a) after the definition “microgeneration” insert the following definitions—

““new dwelling” includes, except in Parts 6 and 7, a dwelling that is formed by a material change of use of a building within the meaning of regulation 5(a), (b) or (g);

“optional requirement” means an optional requirement as described in regulation 4(1A)(b) or in regulation 36(2)(b);”; and

(b) after the definition “payment period” insert the following definition—

““planning permission” has the meaning given in section 336(1) (interpretation) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990(3);”.

(3) In regulation 4 (requirements relating to building work)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b) after “other such requirement” insert “, except as may be provided for in paragraphs (1C) and (1D)”;

(b) after paragraph (1) insert the following paragraphs—

“(1A) The applicable requirements contained in Schedule 1 are—

(a) the applicable requirements contained in Schedule 1 that apply in all cases, subject to paragraph (1C); and

(b) any applicable requirement contained in Schedule 1, and described in the first column of that Schedule as an optional requirement, that applies in relation to the building work in question by virtue of paragraphs (1B), (1C) and (1D).

(1B) An optional requirement as described in paragraph (1A)(b) shall apply to building work in any case where the planning permission under which the building work is carried out—

(a) specifies that optional requirement by reference to these Regulations; and

(b) makes it a condition that the requirement must be complied with.

(1C) An optional requirement shall apply in substitution for a requirement of Schedule 1 to the extent that the terms of the optional requirement in the second column of Schedule 1 so provide.

(1D) An optional requirement shall apply, and another optional requirement shall not apply, to the extent that the terms of the first-mentioned optional requirement in the second column of Schedule 1 so provide.”.

(4) In regulation 6(4) (requirements relating to material change of use)—

(a) in subparagraph (1)(i) for “M1 (access and use)” substitute “M1 (access to and use of buildings other than dwellings)”;

(b) after subparagraph (1)(i) insert a semicolon and the following subparagraph—

“(j) in the case of a material change of use described in regulation 5(a), (b) or (g), Q1 (security)”; and

(c) in paragraph (2)—

(i) after subparagraph (c) omit “and”, and

(ii) after subparagraph (d) insert a semicolon and the following subparagraph —

“(e) in a case to which subparagraph (j) applies in respect of a material change of use described in regulation 5(b) or (g), that part complies with the requirement referred to in that subparagraph;”.

(5) In regulation 13 (particulars and plans where a building notice is given)—

(a) in paragraph (1)—

(i) after subparagraph (b) omit “and”, and

(ii) after subparagraph (c) insert—

“; and

(d) in the case of a new dwelling—

(i) a statement whether or not any optional requirement applies to the building work, and if so which, or

(ii) a statement that planning permission has not yet been granted for the work, and that the information required by subparagraph (i) will be supplied before the end of a period of twenty eight days beginning on the day after that permission is granted”; and

(b) after paragraph (1) insert the following paragraph—

“(1A) In the case of a new dwelling, where a statement under paragraph (1)(d)(ii) has accompanied the building notice, a statement in the terms required by paragraph (1)(d)(i) must be provided to the local authority before the end of a period of twenty eight days beginning on the day after planning permission is granted for the building work, and the statement must state that it is supplementary to the information given in respect of the work pursuant to paragraph (1)(d).”.

(6) In regulation 14(3)(a) (full plans) after “(1)” insert “, (1A)”.

(7) In regulation 35(5)( (interpretation of Part 6)—

(a) after the definition “major renovation” omit “and”; and

(b) after the definition “nearly zero-energy building” insert a semicolon and the following definition—

““new dwelling” does not include a dwelling that is formed by a material change of use of a building”.

(8) For the text of regulation 36 (water efficiency of new dwellings) substitute—

“(1) The potential consumption of wholesome water by persons occupying a new dwelling must not exceed the requirement in paragraph (2).

(2) The requirement referred to in paragraph (1) is either—

(a) 125 litres per person per day; or

(b) in a case to which paragraph (3) applies, the optional requirement of 110 litres per person per day,

as measured in either case in accordance with a methodology approved by the Secretary of State.

(3) This paragraph applies where the planning permission under which the building work is carried out—

(a) specifies the optional requirement in paragraph (2)(b); and

(b) makes it a condition that that requirement must be complied with.

(4) In this Part, “new dwelling” does not include a dwelling that is formed by a material change of use of a building within the meaning of regulation 5(g).”.

(9) For the text of regulation 37(1) (wholesome water consumption calculation) substitute—

“(1) Where regulation 36 applies, the person carrying out the work must give the local authority a notice which specifies—

(a) which of the requirements in regulation 36(2)(a) or (b) applies to the dwelling; and

(b) the potential consumption of wholesome water per person per day in relation to the completed dwelling.”.

(10) In regulation 43(4)(6)—

(a) after “the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing” add “, the Independent Air Tightness Testing Scheme Limited(7)”; and

(b) omit “the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing,”.

(11) In Schedule 1(8) (requirements)—

(a) in part H (drainage and waste disposal), in subparagraph (a) of the second column of requirement H3(2) (rainwater drainage)—

(i) for “M1 (access and use), or” substitute “M1 (access to and use of buildings other than dwellings),”, and

(ii) at the end of the subparagraph insert “, or requirement M4(1), (2) or (3) (access to and use of dwellings)”.

(b) for Part M (access to and use of buildings) substitute the following Part—

“PART M ACCESS TO AND USE OF BUILDINGS

Access to and use of buildings other than dwellings M1. Reasonable provision must be made for people to— (a) gain access to; and (b) use, the building and its facilities. Access to extensions to buildings other than dwellings M2. Suitable independent access must be provided to the extension where reasonably practicable. Sanitary conveniences in extensions to buildings other than dwellings M3. If sanitary conveniences are provided in any building that is to be extended, reasonable provision shall be made within the extension for sanitary conveniences. Access to and use of dwellings Category 1- visitable dwelling M4(1). Reasonable provision must be made for people to— (a) gain access to; and (b) use, the dwelling and its facilities Category 2- accessible and adaptable dwellings M4(2) optional requirement (1) Reasonable provision must be made for people to— (a) gain access to; and (b) use, the dwelling and its facilities. (2) The provision made must be sufficient to— (a) meet the needs of occupants with differing needs, including some older or disabled people; and (b) to allow adaptation of the dwelling to meet the changing needs of occupants over time. Category 3- wheelchair user dwellings M4(3) optional requirement (1) Reasonable provision must be made for people to— (a) gain access to; and (b) use, the dwelling and its facilities. (2) The provision made must be sufficient to— (a) allow simple adaptation of the dwelling to meet the needs of occupants who use wheelchairs; or (b) meet the needs of occupants who use wheelchairs.

Requirement M1 does not apply to any part of a building that is used solely to enable the building or any service or fitting in the building to be inspected, repaired or maintained. Requirement M2 does not apply where suitable access to the extension is provided through the building that is extended. Requirement M3 does not apply where there is reasonable provision for sanitary conveniences elsewhere in the building, such that people occupied in, or otherwise having occasion to enter the extension, can gain access to and use those sanitary conveniences. Requirement M4(1) does not apply to: (a) an extension to a dwelling; or (b) any part of a building that is used solely to enable the building or any service or fitting in the building to be inspected, repaired or maintained. Optional requirement M4(2)— (a) may apply only in relation to a dwelling that is erected; (b) will apply in substitution for requirement M4(1); (c) does not apply where optional requirement M4(3) applies; (d) does not apply to any part of a building that is used solely to enable the building or any service or fitting in the building to be inspected, repaired or maintained. Optional requirement M4(3)— (a) may apply only in relation to a dwelling that is erected; (b) will apply in substitution for requirement M4(1); (c) does not apply where optional requirement M4(2) applies; (d) does not apply to any part of a building that is used solely to enable the building or any service or fitting in the building to be inspected, repaired or maintained. Optional requirement M4(3)(2)(b) applies only where the planning permission under which the building work is carried out specifies that it shall be complied with.”

(c) after Part P (electrical safety) add the following Part—

“PART Q SECURITY Unauthorised access Q1 Reasonable provision must be made to resist unauthorised access to— (a) any dwelling; and (b) any part of a building from which access can be gained to a flat within the building.

Requirement Q1 applies only in relation to new dwellings.”

(12) For the table in Schedule 3(9) (self-certification schemes and exemptions from requirement to give building notice or deposit full plans) substitute the table in Schedule 1 to these Regulations.

Amendments to the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2010

3.—(1) The Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2010(10) are amended in accordance with the following paragraphs.

(2) In regulation 2(1) (interpretation) after the definition “material change of use” insert the following definitions—

““new dwelling” includes a dwelling that is formed by a material change of use of a building within the meaning of regulation 5(a), (b) or (g) of the Principal Regulations;

“optional requirement” has the meaning given in regulation 2(1) of the Principal Regulations;”.

(3) In Schedule 1(11) (forms) for forms 1 to 12 substitute in each case the form with the same number in Schedule 2 to these Regulations.

(4) In Schedule 2(12) (grounds for rejecting an initial notice, an amendment notice, or a plans certificate combined with an initial notice) after the text of paragraph 4(b) (information about the proposed work) insert a semicolon and the following subparagraphs—

“(c) information whether or not the work concerns a new dwelling;

(d) in the case of an initial notice or an amendment notice in relation to a new dwelling, either—

(i) a statement whether or not one or more, and if so which, of the following optional requirements applies to the building work—

(aa) regulation 36(2)(b) (optional water efficiency requirement of 110 litres per person per day),

(bb) Schedule 1 Part M optional requirement M4(2) (category 2- accessible and adaptable dwellings),

(cc) Schedule 1 Part M optional requirement M4(3) (category 3- wheelchair user dwellings), or

(ii) a statement that planning permission has not yet been granted for the work, and that the information required by subparagraph (i) will be supplied as soon as is reasonably practicable after that permission is granted;

(e) in the case of a plans certificate combined with an initial notice, a statement in accordance with subparagraph (d)(i)”.

(5) In Schedule 3(13) (grounds for rejecting a plans certificate, or a plans certificate combined with an initial notice), after paragraph 2 (work) insert the following paragraph—

“Optional requirements

2A.   The certificate does not contain—

(a) information whether or not the work concerns a new dwelling; or

(b) in the case of a new dwelling, information whether or not one or more, and if so which, of the following optional requirements applies to the building work—

(i) regulation 36(2)(b) (optional water efficiency requirement of 110 litres per person per day),

(ii) Schedule 1 Part M optional requirement M4(2) (category 2- accessible and adaptable dwellings),

(iii) Schedule 1 Part M optional requirement M4(3) (category 3- wheelchair user dwellings); or

(c) in the case of a plans certificate relating to a new dwelling, a statement that it relates only to such part of the work to which no requirement under regulation 36 of, or requirements M4(1), (2) or (3) of Schedule 1 to, the Building Regulations 2010 may apply.”.

(6) In Schedule 4(14) (grounds for rejecting a final certificate), after paragraph 2 (work) insert the following paragraph—

“Optional requirements

2A.   The certificate does not contain information—

(a) whether or not the work concerns a new dwelling; or

(b) in the case of a new dwelling, information whether or not one or more, and if so which, of the following optional requirements applies to the building work—

(i) regulation 36(2)(b) (optional water efficiency requirement of 110 litres per person per day),

(ii) Schedule 1 Part M optional requirement M4(2) (category 2- accessible and adaptable dwellings),

(iii) Schedule 1 Part M optional requirement M4(3) (category 3- wheelchair user dwellings).”.

(7) In Schedule 5 (grounds for rejecting a public body’s notice, or a combined public body’s notice and plans certificate) after the text of paragraph 4(b) (information about the proposed work) insert a semicolon and the following subparagraphs—

“(c) information whether or not the work concerns a new dwelling;

(d) in the case of a public body’s notice in relation to a new dwelling, either—

(i) a statement whether or not one or more, and if so which, of the following optional requirements applies to the building work—

(aa) regulation 36(2)(b) (optional water efficiency requirement of 110 litres per person per day),

(bb) Schedule 1 Part M optional requirement M4(2) (category 2- accessible and adaptable dwellings),

(cc) Schedule 1 Part M optional requirement M4(3) (category 3- wheelchair user dwellings), or

(ii) a statement that planning permission has not yet been granted for the work, and that the information required by subparagraph (i) will be supplied as soon as is reasonably practicable after that permission is granted;

(e) in the case of a combined public body’s notice and plans certificate, a statement in accordance with subparagraph (d)(i) ”.

(8) In Schedule 6 (grounds for rejecting a public body’s plans certificate, or a combined public body’s notice and plans certificate) after paragraph 2 (work) insert the following paragraph—

“Optional requirements

2A.   The certificate does not contain—

(a) information whether or not the work concerns a new dwelling; or

(b) in the case of a new dwelling, information whether or not one or more, and if so which, of the following optional requirements applies to the building work—

(i) regulation 36(2)(b) (optional water efficiency requirement of 110 litres per person per day),

(ii) Schedule 1 Part M optional requirement M4(2) (category 2- accessible and adaptable dwellings),

(iii) Schedule 1 Part M optional requirement M4(3) (category 3- wheelchair user dwellings); or

(c) in the case of a public body’s plans certificate relating to a new dwelling, a statement that it relates only to such part of the work to which no requirement under regulation 36 of, or requirements M4(1), (2) or (3) of Schedule 1 to, the Building Regulations 2010 may apply.”.

(9) In Schedule 7 (grounds for rejecting a public body’s final certificate) after paragraph 2 insert the following paragraph—

“Optional requirements

2A.   The certificate does not contain information—

(a) whether or not the work concerns a new dwelling; or

(b) in the case of a new dwelling, information whether or not one or more, and if so which, of the following optional requirements applies to the building work—

(i) regulation 36(2)(b) (optional water efficiency requirement of 110 litres per person per day),

(ii) Schedule 1 Part M optional requirement M4(2) (category 2- accessible and adaptable dwellings),

(iii) Schedule 1 Part M optional requirement M4(3) (category 3- wheelchair user dwellings).”.

Transitional provisions

4.  Regulations 2(3), (5), (6), (8), (9), and (11)(a) and (b), and 3(3) to (9) shall not apply in relation to building work in respect of which a building notice, an initial notice, a plans certificate, an amendment notice or a public body’s notice has been given to, or full plans deposited with, a local authority before 1st October 2015.

5.  Regulation 2(4) and (11)(c) shall not apply in relation to building work that is started before 1st October 2016 in respect of which a building notice, an initial notice, a plans certificate, an amendment notice or a public body’s notice has been given to, or full plans deposited with, a local authority before 1st October 2015.

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Ahmad

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

Department for Communities and Local Government

26th March 2015