Welsh building regulations
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The building regulations define the standards for construction and design applicable to the majority of new buildings and some alterations to existing buildings. They set out:
- What qualifies as ‘building work’ and so falls under the control of the regulations.
- What types of buildings are exempt.
- The notification procedures that must be followed when starting, carrying out, and completing building work.
- Requirements for specific aspects of building design and construction.
The Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions) (No. 2) Order 2009 was made on 17 November 2009 and came into force on 31 December 2011 when responsibility for building regulations in Wales was transferred to the Welsh government.
This included powers in:
- The Building Act 1984.
- The Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act 2004.
- The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006.
- The functions in secondary legislation made under these Acts, including functions under the Building Regulations 2010 and the Building (Approved Inspectors, etc.) Regulations 2010.
The Building Regulations Advisory Committee for Wales (BRACW), which was set up in 2012, advises on proposed changes to the regulations and follows the Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees (CoPSAC).
NB on 27 February 2015, the Wales Office published proposals for further devolution of powers to Wales. Ref Powers for a purpose: Towards a lasting devolution settlement for Wales.
[edit] Building regulations guidance
Practical guidance on compliance with all aspects of the building regulations is available from the Welsh government website. A series of ‘Approved Documents’ accompany the regulations, setting out ways that the building regulations can be satisfied in common building situations.
At present, many of the approved documents are common to both England and Wales, but increasingly there will be divergence between them as the Welsh government introduces its own standards.
Circulars are provided by the Welsh Government to provide information about new or amended policy.
[edit] Building control
Building Control Bodies (BCB) are responsible for verifying that building regulations are being complied with. There are two different bodies able to provide this service:
Local authority building control is provided by the 22 local authorities in Wales which have a statutory duty to ensure that building work complies with the building regulations.
Private sector Approved Inspectors are authorised individuals or companies who under the Building Act 1984 can check that building work is compliant with the regulations. The Construction Industry Council (CIC) approve individuals as approved inspectors and the Association of Consultant Approved Inspectors (ACAI) acts as the representative body.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.