TAKE A LOOK AT OUR BUILDING REGULATIONS GUIDE
Updated 01/07/2026
Over the last 5 years, there have been a lot of significant changes within the Building Regulations and Building Control. With this, it will impact people differently, Homeowners extending, builders, developers, etc., all face new encounters and responsibilities. This guide serves to inform homeowners, builders and developers in Leeds and across West Yorkshire.
Building Control and Building Regulations
Building Regulations are the legal standards that set the minimum requirements for the design and construction of buildings in England and Wales. They cover important aspects such as:
- Structural stability
- Fire safety
- Energy efficiency
- Ventilation
- Accessibility
- Health and safety
These regulations ensure that buildings are safe, sustainable, and suitable for their intended use.
Building Control is the system that makes sure these regulations are followed. It involves:
- Reviewing plans and designs before construction begins
- Carrying out inspections during the building process
- Checking that the completed work meets all required standards
- Issuing approvals and completion certificates
Building Control can be carried out by either local authorities or approved private inspectors.
In summary:
Building Regulations set the rules.
Building Control enforces those rules.
Together, they ensure that building work meets required standards at every stage—from design to completion—helping to protect people, property, and the environment.
The Building Control Process in simple terms
- Prepare Building Regulations Drawings – We create the technical drawings covering structure, insulation, drainage, etc.
- Submit for Approval – Plans are submitted to Building Control for checking (Full Plans application). Building Control may give feedback or require amendments. We handle it for you as the agent.
- Notify Start of Work – Your builder notifies Building Control before work begins and takes on the role of Principal Designer and Contractor.
- Site Inspections – Inspectors visit at key stages (e.g. foundations, structure, insulation), they provide feedback and sign off on each stage.
- Completion Certificate – Issued once work is compliant—this is essential for insurance and future property sales.
We do not recommend it; however, you can forgo the full plans submission and build under a building notice, which relies purely on the builder’s knowledge and onsite inspections. This increases risk and is only suitable for very basic, low-risk, low-cost projects.
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When do you need Building Control
- Construction of any new building, such as houses, outbuildings, etc.
- Extending buildings will generally require Building Control, which covers things like rear and side extensions, and roof extensions such as dormers.
- Alteration and conversion of buildings, such as lofts, garages and barns, and removing any structural or thermal elements.
- Installation or extension of services and fittings such as drainage connections, utility connections, solar panels, and changes to heating appliances. Windows require either FENSA-approved installers or Building Control.
- Certain changes of use also trigger Building Control, like changing the type, function or occupancy, and changing a commercial space to residential.
- Any alteration to public buildings/sites or places of work.
When you don’t need Building Control
Some low-risk buildings and structures can be done without Building Control applying the Regulations. These are typically small, temporary or non-occupied spaces such as:
Detached single-storey buildings with floor areas under 30 m², more than 1M from a boundary, without sleeping accommodation and primarily non-combustible material.
For example, a garden room, garage, or shed. Note: adding fixed heating will often trigger Building Control due to increased fire risk and potential loss of energy efficiency.
The Building Regulations Explained
Building Regulations are UK legal standards that set minimum requirements for the design and construction of buildings. They cover safety, health, energy efficiency, accessibility, and fire protection, and apply to new builds, extensions, alterations, and service installations.
Compliance is shown through Approved Documents, using technical drawings and on-site checks during construction, with records maintained by the principal designer.
The main sections are:
A – Structure: Ensures buildings are structurally safe and stable.
B – Fire safety: Sets requirements to prevent fire and enable safe escape.
C – Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture: Protects buildings from damp, gas, and ground contaminants.
D – Toxic substances: Controls the use of hazardous materials in construction.
E – Resistance to sound: Limits noise transmission between buildings or rooms.
F – Ventilation: Ensures adequate airflow for health and comfort.
G – Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency: Covers plumbing, water supply, and hygiene.
H – Drainage and waste disposal: Sets standards for foul and surface water drainage.
J – Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems: Ensures safe installation of boilers, stoves, and fuel systems.
K – Protection from falling, collision and impact: Covers stairs, guarding, and safety glazing.
L – Conservation of fuel and power: Sets energy efficiency requirements.
M – Access to and use of buildings: Ensures buildings are accessible to all users.
O – Overheating: Limits overheating risk in buildings.
P – Electrical safety: Ensures safe installation of electrical systems.
Q – Security: Improves resistance to unauthorised access in dwellings.
R – Infrastructure for electronic communications: Requires provision for broadband connectivity.
S – Infrastructure for electric vehicle charging: Requires EV charging provision.
T – Toilet accommodation: Sets standards for provision of toilets in buildings.
Recent changes in Building Control/Regulations
There has been a significant shift in the process, driven by net-zero carbon targets and post-Grenfell safety reforms.
- Building Safety Act 2022 – complete overhaul of safety regulation and accountability; this has changed the responsibility for compliance to the duty holder / principal designer role.
- Part L upgrades + Future Homes Standard – massive tightening of energy/carbon rules, this has increased insulation values/costs, push towards electrification and renewables
- Fire safety reforms (Part B + Fire Safety laws) – stricter requirements and enforcement
- New Parts O, S + updated F – overheating, EV charging, and ventilation introduced/expanded
- Stronger compliance regime – more inspections, documentation, and legal responsibility.
Duty Holder and Principal Designer
Recent changes place greater responsibility on homeowners to appoint competent professionals as Principal Designer and Contractor. Confusion often arises because responsibility for the Principal Designer role can pass from the design phase to the builder if the original designer is not retained during construction.
Building Control will not sign off on a project without confirmation from the Principal Designer that the work complies with regulations. This requires a full “golden thread” of information, including records, changes, and photographic evidence, managed by a competent person.
These roles differ from CDM Regulations (2015). Although titles like Principal Designer and Contractor are similar, their responsibilities change under the Building Safety Act 2022. Under this act, duty holders are responsible for Building Regulations compliance, while CDM duty holders focus mainly on health and safety during construction.
What Consultants Are Required?
To produce compliant Building Regulations drawings, your architect, design technician, or technologist is essential. Depending on the project, additional specialist consultants may be required—often aligned with specific Approved Documents and local authority requirements in Leeds.
Core Consultants
- Structural Engineer (Part A – Structure)
Required for structural changes such as removing walls, designing beams, foundations, and roofs. - Energy Assessor (Part L – Conservation of Fuel & Power)
Provides SAP calculations to ensure energy efficiency targets are met, including insulation and heating performance.
In Leeds, there is a strong focus on carbon reduction. Designs should prioritise insulation, passive design, and on-site renewables. Where net-zero targets aren’t achieved, carbon offset contributions may apply.
Consultants for More Complex Projects
- Mechanical / Electrical Engineer (Parts P, F, L, O)
Designs electrical systems, heating, and ventilation strategies. - Acoustic Engineer (Part E – Sound)
Required for flats, HMOs, or commercial projects to control sound transfer. - Drainage / Civil Engineer (Part H – Drainage)
Designs foul and surface water systems and manages connections to public sewers.
In Leeds and West Yorkshire, you may also need to coordinate with Yorkshire Water for drainage approval, including build-over agreements where applicable.
- Fire Engineer (Part B – Fire Safety)
Needed for larger or complex schemes to ensure safe escape and fire protection.
For HMOs in Leeds, fire safety is strictly enforced alongside West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, often requiring self-closing fire doors, compliant escape windows, and enhanced alarm systems.
Flood Risk & Site Constraints
Certain areas of Leeds (including near rivers and the city centre) fall within flood risk zones. Your project may require:
- Flood resilience measures
- Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
- Input from a drainage or civil engineer
Who Coordinates This?
The Principal Designer (often your architect or lead designer) is responsible for organising and coordinating all consultant information during the design stage. During construction, responsibility may pass to the builder if the designer is no longer involved.
Note: While architects are qualified, it’s important to ensure they have relevant technical and Building Regulations experience—not just planning or design expertise.
CDM Regulations 2015 – Overview
The CDM Regulations 2015 set out legal duties to manage health, safety, and welfare on all UK construction projects. They apply to clients, designers, and contractors, requiring:
- Appointment of duty holders (Principal Designer and Contractor)
- Safe planning and risk management
- Clear communication and information sharing
The aim is to reduce risk by embedding safety throughout the entire project.
Building Control: Local Authority vs Private Approvers
Building Control can be carried out by either:
- Local Authority (e.g. Leeds City Council)
- Official regulator with legal enforcement powers
- Impartial, non-profit public service
- Strong local knowledge
- Registered Building Control Approvers (private inspectors)
- Appointed by the client
- Provide inspections, but cannot enforce regulations
- Must refer serious issues to the local authority
- Often offer a more flexible, customer-focused service
Key difference:
Local authorities enforce the law; private approvers inspect but rely on councils for enforcement.
Common Building Regulations Pitfalls
Common issues:
- Duty Holder sign-off
Builders may refuse the Principal Designer role, leaving projects without clear responsibility. - No completion certificate
Without a sign-off, building insurance may be invalid. Ensure all documents are submitted. - Build-over agreements (drainage)
Missing this early can cause delays. Check with the water authority (e.g. Yorkshire Water) as soon as possible. - Building without proper plans
“Building notice” routes without drawings often lead to compliance issues. - Working from incorrect drawings
Always use the latest approved revision and record any changes. - Poor coordination of consultant info
Structural or specialist details must be fully integrated—this is the builder’s responsibility on site. - Unapproved on-site changes
Design changes are fine if agreed, documented, and approved by Building Control.
Limits of Building Regulations drawings
These focus on compliance—not full construction detail. Builders must verify dimensions and manage execution.
Supporting Information
This guide covers Building Regulations only, and does not include planning permission requirements.
