DCLG clarify Part L

Paul DeCort of the Buildings Division, DCLG, answers two outstanding questions from NBS' 'Building Regulations: Part L Explained" seminar on 18th July 2006.

Q1: Do you have to submit a notice to the local authority even if you are using the services of an Approved Inspector - the Part L Approved Documents contain extracts from Regulations 20B, 20C and 20D that refer to notices being given to the Local Authority whereas associated AD text talks about providing information to Building Control Bodies - which is correct?

A: Regulation 20 of the Building Regulations provides that Regulations 20B, 20C and 20D (among others) do not apply to work which is the subject of an initial notice. So if an initial notice is in force, Regulations 12B, 12C and 12D of the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations apply and you should give notice to the Approved Inspector. If not, Regulations 20B, 20C and 20D apply and you should give notice to the Local Authority.

Q2: How do you specify solid fuel appliances when they have not yet been efficiency rated - minimum efficiencies for solid fuel heating systems are set out in the new Heating Compliance Guides, however energy efficiency standards for some appliances are not available through the Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme (HETAS). In the light of the relevant information not being available, what should specifiers do to comply?

A: In the absence of certified data, the indicative efficiency of the appliance may be taken from Table 4a of SAP2005 www.projects.bre.co.uk/sap2005.

Paul DeCort, Building Division, DCLG

25 July 2006