Register schemes with Building Control prior to 6 April 2014 is the key message coming out of the Government’s latest guidance, released on 15 November 2013 and relating to forthcoming changes to Part L of the Building Regulations.

Whilst planning policy remains the dominant driver for carbon reduction targets in many parts of the country; particularly the larger cities and in the South East, the Building Regulations are set to take precedence in those areas where policy is less stringent.

In simple terms, this means that the basic build cost will increase in areas where energy efficiency and carbon emission have been a lower policy priority.

The Building Regulations are prescriptive; forming a non-negotiable element of the build and therefore a fixed cost when considering viability.

To reduce the potential for the cost uplift, schemes should either be:
i) Commenced before 6 April 2014; or
ii) Commenced before 6 April 2015; in circumstances where a building notice, initial notice, combined initial notice and plans certificate or amendment notice have been given; or a full plans application has been deposited, before the 6 April 2014.

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