Building Control Changes: A 2023 Overview

Summary

This article discusses the key changes to Building Control procedures in the UK, effective from October 1, 2023. These changes introduce a new regime for higher-risk buildings, placing the Building Safety Regulator in charge of building control. The article also highlights new dutyholder roles and responsibilities, emphasizing competence and compliance with Building Regulations.

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** Main Story**

Okay, so, the UK building control scene saw a major shake-up on October 1st, 2023. These changes are all thanks to the Building Safety Act 2022, and honestly, they’re a pretty big deal for, well, everyone involved in building projects.

Basically, we’re talking about a whole new set of rules and responsibilities that have been rolled out. Let’s dive in and take a closer look.

Higher-Risk Buildings: New Sheriff in Town

Without a doubt, the biggest change is how we deal with those higher-risk buildings (HRBs). What exactly are we talking about, you might ask? Think residential buildings with two or more units that are at least 18 meters tall or seven stories. Plus, hospitals and care homes that meet the same height criteria. These are now firmly in the sights of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). That’s right local authorities and approved inspectors no longer get to be the primary oversight.

It’s all about beefing up safety, isn’t it? More eyes on the ball, stricter standards – you get the idea. The BSR is using what they call a “gateway” system. Checkpoints at the planning, design, and even the construction and occupation stages. It’s like they’re making sure no stone is left unturned, that’s a good thing, right?

What About Projects Already in Motion?

Now, what happens if you had a project already underway before October 1, 2023? Well, there are transitional arrangements in place. These arrangements mean that projects could carry on under the old building control rules, but it all comes down to when the initial notice was given to the local authority and when full plans were submitted before October 1st, 2023. In short, you got in just under the wire.

And there’s another catch: work must have been “sufficiently progressed” by April 6th, 2024. So, if you were just thinking about starting it, you’re probably out of luck. To give a simple example, for new HRBs, that means the permanent foundations have to be in place. If, say, you’re working on an existing HRB, starting work on a material change of use, or even a conversion, it’s similar. The wheels had to be in motion. However, one small change even with these arrangements, the BSR still needs to sign off on the final certificates before anyone can actually occupy the building, just to ensure everything meets the required standard, you can’t cut corners!

Dutyholder Responsibilities: Who’s Doing What?

Here’s where things get interesting. The new regulations lay out exactly who’s responsible for what, and this applies to all building work, not just those fancy HRBs.

We’re talking about clearly defined “dutyholder” roles:

• Client: The big boss who’s commissioning the whole thing. They’re in overall control. It’s their baby. The buck stops with them.
• Principal Designer: This person is responsible for planning, managing, monitoring, and coordinating all the design work to make sure it’s compliant. Its a headache.
• Principal Contractor: Similar to the designer, but on the construction side. They’re in charge of planning, managing, monitoring, and coordinating construction to ensure compliance.
• Designers: These are the people doing the actual design work, but under the direction of the Principal Designer. So they are not totally responsible.
• Contractors: The ones doing the actual building, under the watchful eye of the Principal Contractor. So same deal as the designers!

In fact, I remember a project where the lines got blurred and it caused all sorts of headaches with compliance. Honestly, it was a total mess and something like this wouldn’t be allowed anymore!

What’s interesting is that these dutyholders are all on the hook for Building Regulations compliance. Not just that, they have to prove they’re competent – you know, have the skills, knowledge, experience, and, honestly, even the right attitude for the job. And the client? They have to make sure all their dutyholders are up to snuff. This competence is a good thing, hopefully it reinforces accountability all the way through the process.

And here’s the kicker: each dutyholder has to submit compliance declarations to Building Control, basically confirming they did their job properly. Seems like a lot of paperwork. But hey, safety first, right?

Application Process Changes

Now, let’s talk about the application process itself. It’s not just a matter of filling out a form anymore. The applications have to include way more information. Contact details for everyone involved, detailed project specifics and so on.

Frankly, I think its good, all this increased transparency can only help things run smoother. If there’s great communication and collaboration between everyone involved.

Even the definition of “commencement” has been made clearer. I think it had to be to avoid confusion down the line. For new buildings and extensions, it’s when the foundations and ground floor structures are done. For other types of work, it’s when about 15% of the work is complete. That makes sense, doesn’t it?

Enforcement and Building Control Approvers: Holding People Accountable

The new rules mean enforcement is getting tougher. Local authorities and the BSR now have the power to issue compliance and stop notices if they find breaches of building regulations. Imagine the impact. Compliance notices mean you have to fix whatever’s wrong within a certain timeframe. Otherwise, you are in big trouble.

Building control itself is also becoming a proper, regulated profession. Building inspectors have to register with the BSR by April 2024. And approved inspectors? They now need to register as Registered Building Control Approvers. It’s all about making sure the people in charge know what they’re doing, you know?

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it. The October 2023 changes to Building Control are a big deal for a reason. They really do mark a significant step towards making the built environment in the UK safer. Responsibilities are clearer, there’s a greater emphasis on competence, and more oversight.

As a result, the changes should empower everyone involved in construction projects to really make safety and compliance a priority. Hopefully, it’ll cultivate a culture of responsibility and accountability that’s been missing for far too long. It’s a change that will take time to fully come into effect and be understood, I do think that its something for the better, don’t you think?

And remember, things can always change with future updates to the legislation so keep your eyes peeled!