Building Regulations – Changes in England

Building regulations have changed in England. Fleming Homes is exploring the changes and the impact on self-builders.

Planning laws, regulations and policies might seem like a tick box exercise. However, this is a change worth reading into. On average, heating, and powering buildings totals around 40% of energy usage. In England, building regulations have been revised. As of June 2022, all new homes must produce around 30% less carbon dioxide emissions than current standards. The new regulations also introduce standards for reducing energy use and carbon emissions during home improvements. These changes have been introduced to make new builds more environmentally sustainable.

The Heat and Buildings Strategy sets a goal to decarbonise the building sector between 47% and 62% by 2035. Changes introduced include new ways of measuring energy efficiency, regulation of overheating mitigation, and changes to the way on-site electricity generation systems are regulated. As a self-builder in England, this is a substantial change for your consideration during the planning and building phase of your project.

Scott Hunter, Head of Fleming Homes’ Planning and Building Regulations team highlighted the importance of considering these changes whilst preparing for your self-build project. “Our team has been working with colleagues in the industry to digest and understand the changes in force across England. As the UK aims for its Net Zero targets, we are committed to our own sustainability goals and believe that the way timber frame homes naturally capture carbon supports self-builders in achieving environmentally sustainable homes.

The decarbonisation of the building sector could give self-builders an advantage. For instance, you can start from a clean slate, making environmental decisions at every stage; selecting the best materials, design, and build that are efficient and sustainable. In future-proofing your home you can save thousands in energy costs, whilst contributing to the UK’s Net Zero targets”.

Regulations were also announced requiring all domestic new builds to have the preparatory work completed for the future installation of an electric vehicle charging point. This could be a future selling point for your property as electric vehicle sales increase.

New regulations are now in effect, however, there is a grace period until June 2023. If your project was approved before 15 June 2022, old standards will remain valid. This does mean you have until 15 June 2023 to begin work before approval lapses. Existing properties that are applying for an extension or installation of new material or technology may also be impacted. Guidance is available on Local Government websites to help you stay compliant throughout your self-build.

You can read more about building regulations here.

For support and assistance with the Building Regulations process contact our team.