Building regulations

The Building Act 1984 (BA 1984) empowers the Secretary of State/Welsh Ministers to make building regulations for various purposes, including to secure the health and safety of persons in or about buildings. It establishes criminal liability for breaches of these regulations. It also provides for practical guidance to be given with respect to the requirements of the building regulations by Approved Documents.

See Practice Note: Obtaining building regulations approval.

Difference between Building Regulations and planning permission

Compliance with the Building Regulations is a separate matter from obtaining planning permission. Taking action to comply with Building Regulations does not satisfy the requirements under Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and vice versa.

Wales

From 31 December 2011, remaining functions under BA 1984, including powers to make Building Regulations, passed from the UK government to the Welsh Ministers. From 1 January 2012, any revisions to Building Regulations and related procedures, processes and guidance proposed or issued by the UK government apply to England only.

See Practice Note: Obtaining building regulations approval.

Grenfell Tower fire and the Building Safety Act 2022

Following the Grenfell Tower

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