LABC discusses building regulations improvements

LABC has responded to the CLG's request for suggestions on improving building regulations so they remain fit-for-purpose and how the industry can deliver better levels of compliance.

Building control adds value to a project, particularly where it is involved at an early stage.

The term control sends out the wrong message, conjuring up images of a clipboard and tick box system.

LABC no longer operates in this way.

Surveyors consistently make suggestions as to how the requirements of the regulations can be met, saving customers time and money.

An industry and government decision to drop "control" from the name would help everyone.

Evidence of how building control contributes positively to raising standards was contained in surveys carried out by LABC members documenting the use of 'pre-contravention interventions,' or PCIs, where surveyors give technical feedback at an early stage, therefore, avoiding the need for prosecutions.

LABC believes compliance should not be measured solely through the number of court prosecutions, but by other means such as these PCIs.

The Government should require consequential improvements in energy efficiency to existing buildings when extensions or major refurbishments are being contemplated.

The majority of the new building stock is built to a high standard that meets targets, while existing buildings that have never been subject to energy efficiency regulations lose a great deal of energy.

While the targets and requirements placed on new builds are needed, LABC believes a greater energy saving would come from placing targets on existing buildings.

A review of Part B should be carried out to take into consideration property protection, which traditionally has not been covered by the building regulations.

A key element in sustainability is that the building should maintain its integrity and use.

Fire cannot only destroy this for the building itself, but also damage surrounding property, therefore, Part B should be extended to accommodate this.

The effectiveness of the rules concerning consultation with the fire service should be also reviewed, including whether both local authorities and approved inspectors are doing this properly.

LABC has issues about the current gas safety regime, namely that its notifications do not ensure building regulation compliance.

Traders sending in notifications are not necessarily competent or part of a recognised Competent Persons Scheme (CPS), therefore, notifications cannot automatically be accepted by Building Control.

However, LABC believes the Part P schemes would work better if electricity, like gas, required mandatory membership of a scheme.

The current review of CPSs needs to be concluded, and their operation and monitoring tightened, including the prices charged to join the schemes, which leads to many small operators not joining.

Notification to local authorities 30 days after of the work has been done is not a lot of use, and if there is to be notification at all, it should be done in advance.

Part L has grown much more complex since coming in line with the climate change debate.

LABC supports the development of simpler guides to the regulations, and simplification of the Approved Documents.

These regulations are so complicated that it is difficult for anyone other than an experienced professional to fully understand and implement them correctly.

Improved guidance needs to be developed that will help people comply more readily.

LABC eagerly awaits to see the views of other organisations in the building industry and looks forward to working with these companies and Government to continue to improve the regulations and ensure levels of compliance continue to increase.

Back to top