Government announce a fundamental review of Building Regulations 

On December 2, in her opening speech in the House of Commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report, Angela Rayner announced that the Approved Documents – the guidance documents to building regulations – will undergo a review. 

The Deputy Prime Minister’s announcement comes following concerns across various industries that the Approved Documents can be overly complex, hard to understand or interpret, and difficult to apply. 

Accessible, up-to-date, and practical 

The review’s primary purpose is to make Approved Documents easier to use and more accessible. The ‘fundamental review’ will also allow for changes across industries to be reflected in Approved Documents in a more timely manner, keeping building works up to date and compliant. 

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are a particular focus for the review. The current accessibility of Approved Documents is noted as a significant barrier for SMEs aiming to achieve safety and compliance, and the review will aim to address this. 

Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 Review and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report are the two major reports which have raised concerns over the current accessibility of Approved Documents and called for change. 

What to expect 

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) have been responsible for updating and keeping Approved Documents under review since April 2023, and they will also be leading this review. The BSR’s strategic plan for 2023–2026 acknowledges the existing concerns regarding the accessibility and complexity of Approved Documents, and commits to improving the well-known, long-standing issues. 

The BSR will create a review panel in early 2025, establishing a chair, members, and primary objectives. BSR’s expertise will be combined with consultations across industries, government, and residents to ensure the review is informed by as many parties as possible. 

Approved Document J 

As an industry-leading organisation in the solid fuel and biomass sector, promoting the safe and environmentally responsible use of biomass and other solid fuels, appliances and associated technologies, HETAS will provide expert advice where needed on the upcoming review. 

As the fundamental review is looking to assess accessibility to make the Documents easier to understand, it is unlikely that the review will result in any major changes to Approved Document J. 

We will keep you informed as changes occur, consultations progress, and your opinion can be shared. 

Find out more in the Government’s announcement.