Building Regulations Changes October 2015 affecting Part G, Part H, Part M and Part Q

Changes to Part G, Part H, Part M, Part Q

Our England New Build specifications have been updated to be inline with the changes to the building regulation which come into force in October 2015.

The changes include:

Part G – Water efficiency

Regulation 36 has been amended. It introduces the potential for a higher standard to be enforced by the planning department (in line with policy in the Local Plan). Estimated water use can now be limited to no more than 110 litres per person per day. It is the responsibility of the person carrying out the work to inform the BCO if the higher standard applies.

Regulation G2 has been amended to allow for the requirement to be met using a ‘fittings based approach’. Compliance will be demonstrated if all fittings are at least as efficient as specified in new tables 2.1 and 2.2.

Part H - External waste

Reference is now made to NHBC foundation good practice guide on external waste storage.

Part M - Access

There are now additional levels of compliance (equivalent to Lifetime Homes and wheelchair housing). The changes apply to new dwellings and material alterations but not extensions to a dwelling or material change of use. There are now 3 categories of compliance which will be laid down by planning.

M4(1) – category 1 – Visitable Dwellings (as existing)

M4(2) - category 2 – Accessible and adaptable dwellings

M4 (3) – category 3 – Wheelchair user dwellings

Part Q - Security

This provides a single minimum level of security in a new building regulation. The requirement seeks to ensure easily accessible doors and windows are manufactured and installed in accordance with PAS 24:2012.

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