See below for an update of the most recent changes.
Part G - Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
Commences 5th April 2010
This was originally supposed to commence last October but had to be revised due to European requirements. However these revisions are relatively minor and as such the regulations and Approved Document are very similar to that previously issued. The main changes to the current Part G are:
• There is a requirement on the supply of wholesome water for the purposes of drinking or food preparation
• There is a requirement for the supply of wholesome or softened wholesome water for washing
• Water provided for flushing of sanitary conveniences must be of a suitable quality
• There is a new requirement on water efficiency for new dwellings and those formed by a material change of use. The potential consumption of wholesome water must not exceed 125 litres per person per day. Calculations to demonstrate this must be provided and at completion a notice given to Building Control which specifies the potential consumption in relation to the completed dwelling. This must be calculated in accordance with the published methodology.
• There are enhanced and amended provisions on hot water supply and safety, applying safety provisions to all types of hot water systems.
• There is a new provision to prevent scalding from hot water supplied to a bath. This only applies to new dwellings and those formed by a material change of use
• There are requirements relating to sanitary conveniences and hand washing facilities
• There are requirements for bathrooms in dwellings and in buildings which contain rooms used for residential purposes
• There are requirements relating to the scale and provision of sanitary conveniences in buildings other than dwellings
• There is a new provision requiring sinks to be provided in areas where food is prepared
Approved Document G and the water calculator, 'The Water Efficiency Calculator for New Dwellings' are available to download from the Planning Portal website.
There is also an online version of the water calculator and this is available at: www.wrcplc.co.uk/partgcalculator
Part F - Ventilation
Commences 1st October 2010
The Approved Document has not yet been issued. However the amended regulations include the following requirements:
• There is a new requirement for the testing of mechanical ventilation air flow rates in new dwellings. This will have to be carried out in accordance with a set procedure and the results passed to Building Control within five days of completion of the test
• A requirement is introduced for fixed systems for mechanical ventilation to be commissioned where testing and adjustment is possible to ensure such systems provide adequate ventilation
• There is a new requirement that the building owner is given sufficient information about a building's ventilation system so that it can be operated and maintained to provide adequate ventilation
Part J - Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
Commences 1st October 2010
• The Approved Document has not yet been issued. However the amended regulations include the following:
• There is a new requirement for the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in dwellings in appropriate circumstances when a combustion appliance is installed.
Part L - Energy efficiency provisions
Commences 1st October 2010
The Approved Document has not yet been issued. However the amended regulations make two main changes:
• The exemption from the energy efficiency provisions for extensions consisting of a conservatory or porch is amended to grant the exemption only where the existing walls, windows or doors are retained or replaced if removed or where the heating system of the building is not extended into the conservatory or porch
• A new requirement is introduced for CO2 emission rate calculations to be carried out before the start of building work on the erection of a new building and given to Building Control, along with a list of the specifications used in the calculations.
Other amendments
Commence 6th April 2010
Two other main changes include:
• Alterations to the type of work that can be self certified by government approved Competent Persons so that it includes combustion appliances with a rated heat input/output of more than 100 kilowatts or in buildings more than three storeys.
• Work that consists of the insulation in a roof or loft space where this is the only work being carried out and there is no requirement to carry out the work is now classed as exempt work and Building Control do not need to be notified. N.B. - if insulation is being provided, as part of other work e.g. re-roofing then an application must still be made.
Transitional arrangements
Part G
• Where an application by full plans or building notice is made prior to the 6th April 2010 and work commences prior to that date the pre 2010 requirements apply
• Where a full plans application is made prior to the 6th April 2010 and passed with no conditions or all conditions discharged then work can comply with pre 2010 requirements as long as it starts prior to the 6th April 2011
• Where a building notice is made prior to 6th April 2010 and work commences prior to the 1st October 2010 then a contract must have been entered into
• If the application process or start of work falls outside these limits then work must comply with the 2010 Part G requirements
Parts F, J and L
• Where building work has started before 1st October 2010 the work may continue as if the amendments had not been made
• Where a contract for work that is currently classed as exempt building work has been agreed the work may be carried out as if the amendments had not been made provided the work begins before 6th April 2011
• Where a full plans or building notice application are made before the 1st October 2010, the work can be carried out as if the amendments had not been made provided the work begins before the 1st October 2011.
Publication Date: 4/27/2010 3:38:43 PM
