Building Safety Act 2022
At MB Architecture project safety is key. We hope our article below on The Building Safety Act 2022 is of interest.
As of the 1st October 2023, part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022 came into force bringing with it changes to the building control process for higher-risk buildings as well as wider changes to the way building regulations are controlled for all buildings.
The changes are split into multiple parts:
Firstly the ‘Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023’ which introduces a new building control process for building work which applies to multi-occupied residential buildings, hospitals and care homes that are at least 18 metres in height or have at least 7 storeys. This includes change of use. The building control authority for these higher-risk buildings must be the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR) which is part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Secondly the ‘Higher-Risk Buildings (Descriptions and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2023’ which sets out the use criteria and how height and number of storeys are determined for the purpose of defining whether the above regulations apply.
Thirdly the ‘Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023’ changes the way that building regulations are controlled, placing legal responsibilities on the parties involved in the design, the construction and the commissioning of the project.
Fourthly the ‘Building (Approved Inspectors etc. and Review of Decisions) (England) Regulations 2023’ creates a regulated building control profession, and registered building control approvers and registered building inspectors.
Key changes include:
The relevant building control body must be notified twice for each project: firstly up to 5 working days before the project commences, and then again no later than 5 working days after the project has commenced.
A new Building Inspectors Competence Framework has been introduced.
All businesses operating as a registered building control approver (RBCA) had to become registered with the BSR by 1st April 2024.
Next steps:
At MB Architecture we work with all parties involved with a project and appoint only registered and regulated building control approvers.
We also stay abreast of the latest regulations and requirements in the construction industry to provide you with the right advice for your project.
Contact us now to discuss your project.
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