RESIDENTIAL LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION INTRODUCTION TO BUILDING REGULATION DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ENGLAND AND WALES
Building Regulations are a devolved matter. On 31st July 2014 the Welsh Government amended Welsh Building Regulations, diverging from the building regulations used in England. They have continued to separate from England's Building Regulations since. Equally, the UK Government have made changes to the Building Regulations in England since devolution which clearly do not apply in Wales.
Changes in Wales
As a result, there are differences around Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power). There are also differences under Part A (structure), and Part C (site preparation and resistance to moisture). These are applicable in Wales only.
Changes in England
Further, changes have also been made to various Building Regulations in England so these are now different to those which apply in Wales
Part A (Structure) has been updated in England to contain references to the latest British Standards based on Euro Codes. Minor changes have been made to align guidance for strip foundations in shrinkable soils and other matters. Part C has been updated with regard to radon protection.
There is a new Part P (Security) which applies to all new dwellings in England.
Optional requirements dealing with water efficiency apply in England.
There are different approved documents. G (Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency), H (change in waste disposal), N (access to use of buildings) and Q (Security). These are applicable only to England.
None of the changes referred to in this Section apply in Wales.
Improvements and Extensions in Wales to dwellings
In the case of existing dwellings there are a number of changes which apply where they undergo refurbishment or extension. They are intended to help home owners keep the cost of heating of their buildings down. All owners undertaking extensions or improvements, such as loft and garage conversions, are required to meet standards for improved insulation, whilst windows remain at their current standard. These apply to the new build work but in addition there is a requirement for "consequential" energy efficiency improvements in the original building itself. These improvements are based on three cost effective solutions where suitable -
- Standards of loft insulation.
- Cavity wall insulation.
- Minimum standard of hot water cylinder insulation.
There is an additional requirement that conservatories should not be heated or cooled if they are to be considered exempt from building regulations. If a conservatory is heated or cooled then the relevant fabric insulation and fixed service equipment requirements will apply.
Fire sprinklers in Wales
One major difference between English and Welsh Building Regulations is that as from 1st January 2016 new/converted dwellings in Wales must be fitted with an approved sprinkler system.
Part L (conservation of fuel and power) in Wales
There are various differences in the technical requirements under Part L in relation to dwellings in Wales. It is a very detailed and technical area so it is best to refer directly to the guidance but the intention is to ensure reduced carbon emissions. There is intended to be an 8% aggregate improvement on housing in Wales measured against the 2010 version of Part L.
Further differences between England and Wales
There are some further differences as between England and Wales. Part N relating to the safety of glazing only applies now in Wales. Glazing safety in England is dealt with separately under Part K. In England there is a new Part Q relating to security against unauthorised access but it does not apply in Wales.
Part P is applicable in both England and Wales relating to electrical safety in dwellings but again there is now a 2013 England only edition of the approved documents; whereas the 2010 version continues to be applicable in Wales.