The new Building Regulations and updates become live on 15th June 2022. This will usher in changes to Part F (Ventilation), Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) and see the introduction of a new Part O (Overheating).
This amendment will apply to new and existing dwellings, new and existing non-domestic buildings – and with regards to the new Part O on overheating, all new residential buildings.
What is changing?
Broadly, the new regulations require that Residential Schemes achieve a reduction in CO2 of 31% against the current 2013 Part L and further efficiencies are required for services. There is a drive towards electric heating, and a move away from fossil fuels (gas).
The introduction of the new Approved Document Part O on overheating requires modelling techniques and for flats with large glazing areas, this could be problematic.
For non-residential, the uplifts are on Part L thermal performance are approximately a 36% decrease on CO2 from current 2013 Part L and an upgrade in efficiencies for services are also required.
What about schemes not yet registered or those yet to start on site?
Whilst these changes come into force on 15th June 2022, the Government has confirmed that there will be transitional arrangements. The Amendment Regulations will not apply in relation to building work on a building where a building notice or an initial notice has been given to, or full plans deposited with, a local authority before 15th June 2022 provided that the building work on that particular building is started before 15th June 2023.
As such, where schemes have been registered before 15th June 2023, works on specific buildings must have commenced before 15th June 2023.
The Government has also looked to define commencement of work as follows:
- excavation for strip or trench foundations or for pad footings;
- digging out and preparation of ground for raft foundations;
- vibrofloatation (stone columns) piling, boring for piles or pile driving;
- drainage work specific to the building(s) concerned.
It is important to note that they will also consider that the following sorts of work would not be likely to constitute the commencement of work:
- removal of vegetation
- demolition of any previous buildings on the site;
- removal of top soil;
- removal or treatment of contaminated soil;
- excavation of trial holes;
- dynamic compaction;
- general site servicing works (e.g. roadways)
Contact us
If you think you will require assistance on registering your site, or on commencing your works before the 15th June deadlines, then do not hesitate to get in touch on 0121 389 3030 or via email to enquires@fellowsconsultants.co.uk.