If you intend to carry out any building work, you will need to ensure that any work complies with the requirements of The Building Regulations 2010.

Building control bodies are responsible for ensuring compliance is kept with the building regulations.

Generally, the regulations apply if you want to:

• Erect a new building;
• Extend or alter an existing building;
• Provide services and/or fittings in a building;
• Alter the use of the building.

If the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) applies to the premises or will apply following the work, the building control body must consult with us.

In deciding the suitability of the proposals for building regulations purposes we will generally consider the guidance contained within Approved Document Part B (Fire Safety) from The Building Regulations (see Useful Links), however, there may be other ways in which an equivalent level of fire safety can be achieved.

Whilst we will offer observations to the building control body regarding compliance with the building regulations, the primary role of the consultation process is to ensure that the completed building will meet the requirements of the FSO once the building is occupied. This will ensure, as far as possible, that no additional works are necessary.

If you intend to carry out building work, it is recommended that in the first instance you contact your local authority building control department or approved inspector.

Further guidance and information is available free of charge from the Planning Portal (see the Useful Links section).

Should you require any further information on fire safety legislation please contact your local fire safety office.

Building Regulations – Approved document B Fire Safety
View the document online.

Planning Portal
The assessment – Government’s online planning and building regulations resource for England and Wales.

Your Local Fire Safety Office
Local Fire Safety Offices are available for further information from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Fire Appliance Sizes and Weights
View the specifications online.