As previously noted, government has launched a consultation seeking views on the proposals for implementation of the housing standards review and in particular the technical standards.
Government has published a number of documents revising guidance given for compliance with the building regulations. Manufacturers of doors, windows and stairs will be affected by proposed changes to Approved document M, Access to buildings and a new Approved document Q, security.
Security – New Approved Document Q: A national regulation on security standards in all new homes to protect families from burglary
The new approved document Q introduces a recommendation for an enhanced level of security to be achieved by doors (including vehicular garage doors) and windows fitted into new dwellings. It is proposed that doors and windows should, as a minimum, be of a design successfully tested to PAS 24. It is also recognised that products meeting the requirements of the Secured by Design Scheme will meet the recommendations.
The Government’s consultation for the proposed AD Q poses only one question – on whether you agree to implement the security standard as a national mandatory requirement. Here you can read an extract from the consultation regarding part Q of the Building Regulations including consultation question for you to consider.
This is supported by:
Approved Document Q
Secured By Design requirements (referenced within Approved Document Q)
Access to Buildings – changes to Approved Document M
The proposed changes to guidance for access to buildings provided in the draft Approved Document M only affects houses, flats and the common areas of buildings that contain flats. The proposals is to replace sections 6 through to 10 of the current Approved Document M and introduce three categories of dwelling. A mandatory base level category of “visitable dwellings” and two optional categories of “accessible and adaptable dwellings” and, “wheel chair user dwellings”.
Category 1, visitable dwellings, are intended to match the current recommendations given in AD M sections 6 to 10. Category 2, accessible dwellings, are intended to provide higher levels of accessibility and adaptability than Category 1 dwellings. The requirements for Category 2 are similar to current requirements for the Lifetime Home Standards. Category 3, wheelchair user dwellings, are intended to be capable of meeting or being adapted to meet the needs of a wide range of household members including most wheelchair users.
The Government’s consultation for the proposed AD M poses six questions. Here you can read an extract from the consultation regarding changes to part M of the Building Regulations including the consultation questions for you to consider.
This is supported by:
New Guidance Document AD M Volume1 – Dwellings, showing the elements that affect doors, windows and stairs
A summary of the main changes in the 2014 edition of Approved Document M
The BWF will respond to these proposed changes by answering the questions posed by the consultation which are included within the links. The closing date for responses is 7th November 2014. We would be grateful for your views by 5th November.
