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Changes To The 2015 Building Regulations Introduction What s Changing in October 2015 Approved Document E Approved Document G Approved Document H Approved Document M1 and M2 Approved Document Q Transitional Period Questions
Introduction "Helping clients achieve optimal value, quality and innovation" Acivico Building Consultancy Ltd Formed in 2012 Responded to client needs Employed additional staff to meet demand Graduate training programme Acivico Building Consultancy is now also an Approved Inspector! This means we can offer a service tailored to our customers requirements anywhere within the England. Alongside our usual LABC Partnership work anywhere within England and Wales
What s Changing in October 2015? Following the Housing Standards Review, which aimed to simplify local requirements and standards, the Building Regulations have been amended in order drive these changes. The Building Regulations that have been amended are :- Approved Document E Approved Document G Approved Document H Approved Document M1 Approved Document M2 Approved Document Q One of the most unique decisions made from the Housing Standards Review is the introduction of new dual level Building Regulations in relation to Water and Access. (Approved Document G and M)
Approved Document E In force since 6 th April. Building Bulletin 93 : Acoustic design of schools performance standards. 2015. Compliance is to be shown by either Drawings, plans and specification in accordance with the new design guide or a written report by a specialist acoustic consultant, however this approach has to be agreed by the client.
Approved Document E Previously the document referred to refurbishment works and stated such work should incorporate upgrading of the acoustics as appropriate however with only db values of new build to refer to. In general within the revised document refurbishment works have to achieve a standard that is 5dB less than that of a new build. Although it is also clearer that this is a recommendation and not a requirement of the Building Regulations.
Approved Document G This is the first of the Building Regulations to have a dual level! The changes to Approved Document G start with the introduction of more onerous water efficiency (Regulation 36). This means that the planning authority can impose an increased water efficiency rate for the consumption of wholesome water, from 125 litres per person per day to 110 litres. This is dependant on the local plan and suitability. Regulation 37 requires a notice to be given to the Building Control Body that specifies the water consumption target for the specific dwelling as well as the calculated consumption for that dwelling. This must be submitted no later than 5 days after the completion of the dwelling. Also when submitting the application, the applicant must specify the required water consumption required imposed by the local plan.
Approved Document G The next key change in the amended document is the introduction of the fittings approach. This can be used as an alternative to the Water Efficiency calculations. Where the fittings approach is used, the water consumption of the fittings must not exceed the values given in Table 2.1. When this approach is used the notice given under Regulation 37 must state less than 125 litres per persons per day using the fittings approach
Approved Document G The Fittings Approach can be still be used as an alternative to the Water Efficiency calculations with the optional higher efficiency requirements. Where the fittings approach is used with the optional higher efficiency requirements, the water consumption of the fittings must not exceed the values given in Table 2.2. When this approach is used the notice given under Regulation 37 must state less than 110 litres per persons per day using the fittings approach
Approved Document G Appendix A now shows the water efficiency calculator methodology. This methodology includes a few minor amendments such as the removal of any references to the code for sustainable homes, and also some minor alterations from the European efficiency labelling. The annex listing the relevant competent person self-certification schemes has been deleted. This is as a result of the new and amended competent Persons Scheme.
Approved Document H The Changes to this Document are fairly minor. The first change to this document is a minor alteration to H3, it is an amendment of the limits of application of the requirement (Rainwater drainage) following the amendments to Approved Document M in 2014. The Second change is additional guidance on solid waste storage in H6 and updated references.
Approved Document H The Additions to Approved Document H is as follows :- Paragraph 1.13 states external waster storage design should be carefully considered where it is in a public place or open area. Reference is now made to the NHBC Foundation good practice guidance on external waste storage Ref NF60 Paragraph 0.3 makes clear that the provision in H6 also apply where there is a change of use E.G. House to flats.
Approved Document M1 This Document has changed significantly in respect of new housing. Firstly Approved Document M Has now been divided in to M1 (for Dwellings) and M2 (Buildings other than Dwellings). Also as a result of the Dual Level Building Regulations Approved Document M1 is now split in to three separate sections :- Section 1 Category 1 Visitable Dwellings Section 2 - Category 2 Assessable and adaptive Dwellings Section 3 - Category 3 Wheelchair user Dwellings
Approved Document M1 Section 1 Category 1 Visitable Dwellings
Approved Document M1 Section 1 Category 1 Visitable Dwellings This is similar to the previous version of approved document M in terms of new dwellings however the guidance goes into greater detail. When determining suitable access for Category 1 dwellings compliance with the Regulations is achieved if you provide the following :-
Approved Document M1
Approved Document M1 Section 2 Category 2 Accessible and Adaptive Dwellings This is the next tier of the Optional Regulations
Approved Document M1 Section 2 Category 2 Accessible and Adaptive Dwellings This regulation will be satisfied if the following are achieved : -
Approved Document M1 Section 2 Category 2 Accessable and Adaptive Dwellings
Approved Document M1 Section 2 Category 2 Accessable and Adaptive Dwellings
Approved Document M1
Approved Document M1
Approved Document M1 Section 3 Category 3 Wheelchair User Dwellings
Approved Document M1 Section 3 Category 3 Wheelchair User Dwellings This regulation will be satisfied if the following is achieved : -
Approved Document M1 Section 3 Category 3 Wheelchair User Dwellings
Approved Document M1 Section 3 Category 3 Wheelchair User Dwellings
Approved Document M1 Section 3 Category 3 Wheelchair User Dwellings
Approved Document M2 Approved Document M2 deals with Buildings other than dwellings in relation to access to and use of Buildings. However aside from being separated from the section dealing with dwellings there have been no changes to this document.
Approved Document Q This completely new Approved Document relates to Security in Dwellings. What the regulations require :-
Approved Document Q How do you meet the requirement? Requirement Q1 Applies to accessible Doors and Windows that provide easy access in any of the following circumstances :- 1. Into a dwelling from outside. 2. Into parts of a Building containing a flat from outside. 3. Into a flat from common parts of the Building. Regulation Q1 will be satisfied if Windows and doors can resist physical attack by casual or opportunist burglars by being both:- 1. Sufficiently Robust. 2. Fitted with appropriate Hardware.
Approved Document Q Doorsets *including garage doorsets if the garage provides access to the dwelling, and communal entrance doorsets. Doors should be manufactured to designs that have been shown to meet the security requirements of British Standards Publications PAS 24:2012 (or a similar or better standard) or designed and manufactured in accordance with Appendix B (Bespoke Timber Secure Doorsets). Letter plates should be restricted to 260mm x 40mm and be positioned or designed to prevent people using this as a means of access. ( i.e. placing hands or objects through to obtain keys). Main doors for entering a dwelling should contain a viewer or other means of seeing a caller. Frames:- Should be mechanically fixed to the structure of the building in accordance with manufacturers instructions. Light weight walls should incorporate a resilient layer
Approved Document Q Windows Ground floor, Basement and easily accessible windows should be secure windows. Windows should be manufactured to designs that have been shown to meet the security requirements of British Standards Publications PAS 24:2012 (or a similar or better standard). Should be mechanically fixed to the structure of the building in accordance with manufacturers instructions.
Transitional period For the changes to Approved Documents G,H.M1 & M2 Any works commenced or subject to a Full Plans Application, Building Notice or Initial Notice on or after to the 1 st October 2015 will be subject to the new 2015 Regulation. For the new Approved Document Q Any works with a Full Plans Application, Building Notice or Initial Notice submitted prior 1 st October 2015 will not be subject to this new regulation providing the works are commenced prior to 1 st October 2016. Commencement of work In the case of Approved Document Q which is subject to transitional provisions. In the opinion of DCLG the commencement of work would be considered as one of the following: excavation for strip or trench foundations or for pad footings; digging out and preparation of ground for raft foundations; Vibro-floatation (stone columns) piling, boring for piles or pile driving; drainage work specific to the building(s) concerned.
Transitional period DCLG consider that the following types of work would not be constitute the commencement of work: removal of vegetation demolition of any previous buildings on the site; removal of top soil; removal or treatment of contaminated soil; excavation of trial holes; dynamic compaction; general site servicing works (e.g. roadways) In most cases applications will be for housing sites with a number of new dwellings. In such cases it is the date of commencement of work on the site (i.e. on the first dwelling) which determines whether the transitional provisions are applicable to all dwellings included in the application.
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