GOVERNMENT LAUNCH CONSULTATION ON BUILDING REGULATIONS

NATIONAL: CONSULTATION LAUNCHED ON PART L REGULATIONS

The Government has launched a consultation on Part L of the Building Regulations.

The consultation, which was due to be passed before Christmas, deals with possible changes to several parts of the Building Regulations - as well as proposed changes to the Building Control system.

The Part L changes include proposals for tighter carbon dioxide emission standards for new homes and requirements for additional energy efficiency improvement to existing homes when extensions are built.

There are also proposed changes to Part P, on electrical safety in dwellings, and Parts A, B, C. K, M and N. The draft Building Control changes are aimed at, among other areas, improving the private sector Approved Inspector arrangements and strengthening enforcement. The Part L consultation ends on March 27, one month earlier than the other consultations which run to April 27.

Mike Leonard, Director of the Modern Masonry Alliance, said: "We note the tight deadline with surprise, given the long delay in launching this consultation.

"We also note yet another attempt to introduce consequential improvements. This will penalise those who invest in extending their properties and could prove a catalyst to the prevention of much needed home improvements which would create demand for construction materials and jobs for builders.

"We would urge respondents to reject this as a stealth tax on home improvement at a time when the Government must provide incentives such as a cut in VAT to stimulate demand."

For the original story, click here.

Want to know more about Building Regulations? Keep an eye on our sister academy, Trades e-Academy , who are set to launch a new online course about building regulations later this year.