Government urged to reconsider Part L implementation

All of the building control bodies in England and Wales have come together seeking an urgent review of the government's implementation strategy for Part L 2006.

In a joint statement, ACAI, LABC and NHBC have described the coming into force as potentially both unworkable and unenforceable.

While fully supporting the objectives behind the revised regulations, the Building Control Bodies (BCBs) have stressed the importance of a well-planned and orderly transition from the existing to the revised requirements so that the industry has sufficient time to be trained and to gear-up. 

Without this they predict that achieving compliance on the ground could present an impossible challenge. 

The BCBs, representing both the public and private sector are now urging a reconsideration of the transitional arrangements and are requesting a high-level meeting with the government to discuss their concerns.

The BCBs have expressed their disappointment that previous recommendations and expert advice seem to have been overlooked and they cite the following specific problems with the current arrangements/obstacles:

· A final approved Document L is not yet available, creating a lack of certainty over exactly what is required. In addition the non-availability of the essential SAP software and an incomplete package of supporting information raise significant practical difficulties and present real problems. Essentially, neither the industry nor building control knows precisely how compliance can be fully achieved.

· The industry has many unanswered questions and is looking to BCBs for the answers. The government needs to provide the information.

· The absence of this essential information will inevitably cause delays and slow down supply at a time when there is an urgent need to increase the number of new homes.

· Worse still, the lack of clarity and ability for the industry to prepare adequately could lead to a far greater risk of buildings being built that will suffer a technical failure.

· Building materials suppliers and systems manufacturers cannot finalise any production changes that may be necessary. 

Despite the obstacles, the BCBs are proactively training staff and the industry to minimise the problem that has been created and are very keen to work with government to avoid this happening in the future.