Before you start any construction work or making certain changes to a building, you will first need to check if you need approval for these works to take place.

Planning permission is different to building regulations and, depending on what work you plan to carry out, you may need both.

Here, we've put together a series of articles that aim to simplify what the requirements are for each Building Regulation. You'll find the full approved documents for all buildings regulations on the government website.

Part A: Structure

Building Regulations Part A offers guidance about how to make buildings structurally safe.

Part B: Fire Safety

Find information about Building Regulations Part B - building fire safety regulations.

Part C: Site Preparation and Resistance to Contaminates and Moisture

Part C covers protecting a building from moisture and dangerous substances.

Part D: Toxic Substances

Building Regulations Part D covers health & safety for stopping toxic fumes from spreading into a building.

Part E: Resistance to Sound

Read about soundproofing regulations found in Part E of the Building Regulations.

Part F: Ventilation

Building Regulations Part F relates to ventilation requirements. Read on to find out more.

Part G: Sanitation, Hot Water Safety and Water Efficiency

Building Regs Part G gives you guidance about hot water safety and efficiency.

Part H: Drainage and Waste Disposal

Building Regulations Part H refers to drainage and waste disposal guidelines.

Part J: Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems

Find info on Building Regs Part J - how to safely install flues, boilers and chimneys.

Part K: Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact

Building Regulations Part K looks at staircase and glazing regulations.

Part L: Conservation of Fuel and Power

Building Regulations Part L covers conservation of fuel and power in building projects.

Part M: Access to and Use of Buildings

Find the latest requirements for Approved Document M, covering safe access and use of buildings.

Part O: Overheating

Building Regulations Part O covers overheating in newly built homes.

Part P: Electrical Safety

Building Regs Part P refers to electrical safety in dwellings, covering the design and installation of electrical installations.

Part Q: Security in Dwellings

Building Regs Part Q refers to the security of residential buildings - particularly for windows and doors.

Part R: Infrastructure for Electronic Communications

Part R covers in-building physical infrastructure for high-speed electronic communications networks.

Part S: Infrastructure for Charging Electric Vehicles

Part S Building Regulations gives guidance on electric vehicle charging points for new homes.

Part 7: Material and Workmanship

Building Regs Part 7 covers materials and workmanship, COSHH regulation 7, and health & safety at work.

Further info on building regs and planning applications for England, Scotland and Wales can be found below.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this page is intended as an overall introduction and is not intended as specific advice from a qualified professional. Travis Perkins aims to avoid, but accepts no liability, in the case that any information stated is out of date.

Travis Perkins are not responsible for content on external websites.

Building Regulations

Planning permission and building regulations

Building regulations:

Planning applications:

Environmental protection:

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