To clarify recent speculation that the revised Part L of the Building Regulations in England and Wales might be delayed, the ECA has spoken with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). It confirmed that Part L will come into force on 6 April 2006, as planned, but with some transitional arrangements.

From 6 April, any building work must comply with the revised Part L unless:

  • work started before 6 April 2006 in accordance with a building notice, full plans, initial notice or amendment notice;
  • where full plans are not required, a contract is entered into before 6 April 2006, provided the work starts before 1 October 2006;
  • full plans have been deposited and approved before 6 April 2006, provided the work is started before 1 April 2007;
  • a plans certificate or plans certificate combined with an initial notice has been given to a local authority before 6 April 2006, provided the work starts before 1 April 2007.
Any construction work carried out under these transitional arrangements will be subject to the current Part L (2002) regulations and energy efficiency standards.

Part L will have a significant impact upon building services contractors. Therefore, the ECA is producing guidance (on issue of the final Approved Document) and is working with the HVCA to ensure m&e companies, who want to self-certify their work in accordance with Part L, may use a single point of access.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor