Building Regulations

Building Regulations are a set of standards that tell us how to build in England. We are responsible for ensuring these standards are met. The regulations cover everything including foundations, insulation and accessibility. They make sure your building is safe to use and live in.

The regulations are split into individual alphabetised documents, known as Approved Documents.

  • A: Structure
  • B: Fire safety
  • C: Site preparation and resistance to contaminates and moisture
  • D: Toxic substances
  • E: Resistance to sound
  • F: Ventilation
  • G: Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
  • H: Drainage and waste disposal
  • J: Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
  • K: Protection from falling, collision and impact
  • L: Conservation of fuel and power
  • M: Access to and use of buildings
  • O: Overheating
  • P: Electrical Safety
  • Q: Security in dwellings
  • R: Infrastructure for electronic communications
  • S: Infrastructure for charging electric vehicles

You can find and download the latest edition of the Approved Documents on the Government website.

Approved Documents (GOV.UK)

Building Regulations News and Updates

Parts F, L, O and S

From 15 June 2022, significant changes to the building regulation were introduced to Parts F, L and the introduction of Part O and Part S. We toured the districts to deliver a CPD event to update all of our stakeholders on these changes. If you missed out, download our guides below or get in touch to gain access to our exclusive online webinars and slides.

Download our guide to Part F & L (PDF)

Net-Zero Carbon Toolkit (External Link)

Part J

From 1 October 2022, changes to Part J came into force. These included updated guidance to smoke control areas, installing carbon monoxide alarms and updates to the wording relating to fire protection for oil storage tanks. 

Part R

From 26 December 2022, Part R: Infrastructure for electronic communication, came into force. From 26 December all applications for new dwellings will now need to include a connectivity plan.

Proposed Part T

A new technical consultation was launched following the proposed Part T: Toilets, announced by the government.  Further information can be found on the government website: Toilet provision in buildings other than dwellings: a technical consultation paper