Building Regulations for Architects
Building Regulations (sometimes known as building standards) define how a new building or alteration is to be constructed. The regulations cover a number of areas including:
- Safety
- Fire risk
- Energy efficiency
- Accessibility
- Ventilation
- Security
Building Regulations approval may be required even if Planning Permission is not. In England and Wales, as well as Scotland, approval is granted by the building control officers of local authorities. They are generally separate from the planning officials. You can also discuss the suitability of various building elements with building control to ensure the design is compliant in all respects.
Even though the alterations you propose may not require either planning or building control approval, you may still be required to meet the Building Regulations appropriate to the changes. Advice should be sought from your local Building Control office.
Each country in the UK is responsible for its own building regulations. The regulations are usually set out in terms of high level, functional requirements. they are supported by technical documents which set out detailed practical guidance on compliance with the regulations (for example, Approved Documents in England).
The technical guidance for each country in the UK, and also Ireland, can be accessed via the links below:
England
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
For more information on Pilkington products that can meet regulatory requirements, please contact our Customer Contact Centre.