RIBA calls for a more consumer-focused approach to Building Regulations

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has advised the new Government to re-write existing Building Regulations into plain English so that homeowners can make educated choices when undertaking small building works to their home. The recommendation is one of a whole series made by the RIBA in response to a consultation on future changes to the Building Regulations.

The RIBA has written to MP Andrew Stunell, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government, in response to an invitation to submit ideas on how future building regulation may be improved.

Following detailed consultation, the following key issues were raised for the Minister to consider:

• Co-ordinated regulation
  Review all related building legislation, including planning, and integrate compliance under the jurisdiction of Government.
• Reducing complexity
  Reform the Building Regulations and their practical guidance (Approved Documents) to provide clear, concise, flexible regulations, which contain all the performance standards and explanation of their objectives. Ensure they are written in clear, practical language and that they synchronise with other building development legislation across the UK.
• Simplified guidance
  Revise the Approved Documents to be self-contained practical guidance on compliant typical construction details for less complex projects and processes, without reliance on third party documentation.
• Planning implementation
  Establish a planned implementation process for new and revised Building Regulations, allowing for full consultation, training and gearing-up by the construction industry, as well as for practical compliance processes.
• Achieving compliance
  Measurement and feedback is a necessity. Those who ignore, flout or stray from the required performance standards should face effective enforcement and, as a last resort, real penalties for non-compliance.
• Improving building performance
  Make Building Regulations more relevant to the process of improving existing building stock, by raising awareness among building owners and users using targeted incentives.

RIBA President Ruth Reed says, “We do not need more regulation, but better regulation”. She adds, “UK Building Regulations have become complicated and disorganised through uncoordinated and piecemeal amendment and addition. Changing requirements on energy performance will require better regulation and monitoring of compliance”.

 

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