Building Control Legislation

Approved Documents offer guidance on how to comply with the regulations and cover the following aspects of construction:

You can find more information on Approved Documents on the Planning Portal website.

APPROVED DOCUMENT A – STRUCTURE

This section is concerned with ensuring that the structural stability of the building is maintained. Areas covered include design of foundations, walls, floors and roofs.

Planning Portal - Document A

APPROVED DOCUMENT B – FIRE SAFETY

The principal aim is ensuring the safety of users of buildings should a fire occur. It includes the provision of satisfactory fire escape routes, preventing fire spreading both within the building and to other buildings and providing good access and fire fighting facilities for the Fire Service.

Planning Portal - Document B

APPROVED DOCUMENT C – SITE PREPARATION & RESISTANCE TO MOISTURE

Part C contains the recommendations with regard to making sure your property remains free from damp penetration and is watertight. It also contains requirements to prevent contamination which may be in the ground, including Radon gas, reaching the inside of the building.

Planning Portal - Document C

APPROVED DOCUMENT D – TOXIC SUBSTANCES

Document D provides guidance on the prevention of toxic substances finding their way into the building when insulation is inserted into cavity walls.

Planning Portal - Document D

APPROVED DOCUMENT E – RESISTANCE TO THE PASSAGE OF SOUND

This document recommends the provision of adequate levels of sound insulation between dwellings, flats and certain other types of rooms and buildings.

Planning Portal - Document E

APPROVED DOCUMENT F – VENTILATION

Part F provides for adequate levels of ventilation to buildings and prevention of condensation forming in roof voids.

Planning Portal - Document F

APPROVED DOCUMENT G – HYGIENE

Document G is concerned with providing sanitary conveniences and adequate washing facilities. In addition this section also recommends safety precautions associated with unvented hot water storage systems.

Planning Portal - Document G

APPROVED DOCUMENT H – DRAINAGE AND WASTE DISPOSAL

This drainage section deals with the various methods available for the disposal of foul and stormwater drainage together with details for solid waste storage (householder refuse).

Planning Portal - Document H

APPROVED DOCUMENT J – COMBUSTION APPLIANCES AND FUEL STORAGE SYSTEMS

This area covers provisions when installing either solid fuel, gas or oil fired heating appliances.

Planning Portal - Document J

APPROVED DOCUMENT K – PROTECTION FROM FALLING, COLLISION AND IMPACT

This is concerned with staircase design, headroom, handrails. balustrading and guarding of landings, balconies and other raised areas.

Planning Portal - Document K

APPROVED DOCUMENT L – CONSERVATION OF FUEL AND POWER

Part L provides comprehensive advice regarding the provision of adequate thermal insulation to all parts of the building envelope. To complement these provisions this section also provides design criteria for space heating and hot water storage.

Planning Portal - Document L

APPROVED DOCUMENT M – ACCESS TO AND USE OF BUILDINGS

This section deals with the design of buildings to enable all people to gain access and be able to use the facilities provided. The regulations include provisions for people who have impairment which limits their ability to walk or requires them to use a wheelchair for mobility. Aids for people with impaired hearing or sight may also be required to be incorporated into the design of the building.

Planning Portal - Document M

APPROVED DOCUMENT N – GLAZING SAFETY IN RELATION TO IMPACT, OPENING AND CLEANING

This area is concerned with providing safety glass in areas where you are likely to walk into it or fall against it.

Planning Portal - Document N

APPROVED DOCUMENT P – ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Planning Portal - Document P.