Amendments to Approved Document L1 and publication of a frequently asked questions document for Approved Document O (WGC 006/2024)

Circular number:    WGC 006/2024

Date issued:    14/05/2024

Status:    For information

Title:    Amendments to Approved Document L1 and publication of a frequently asked questions document for Approved Document O 

Issued by:    Paul Keepins, Building Standards Technical Manager

Addressed to:    

Local Authority Chief Executives
Welsh Local Government Association 
Association of Corporate Approved Inspectors

Please forward to:

Local Authority Building Control Officers
Members of the Senedd

Summary:

Publication of amendments to Approved Document L Volume 1 (Dwellings) 2022 edition, and publication of a frequently asked questions document for Approved Document O (Overheating) 2022 edition.

For further information contact:

Building Regulations Team
2nd Floor
Welsh Government 
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ

Direct Line:    Tel:    0300 060 4400
E-mail:    enquiries.brconstruction@gov.wales
Website: building and planning 

The Building Act 1984

The Building Regulations 2010

Amendments to Approved Document L (Conservation of fuel and power) Volume 1 (Dwellings) 2022 edition.

Publication of a frequently asked questions document for Approved Document O (Overheating) 2022 edition. 
 

1. I am directed by Welsh Ministers to draw your attention to the publication of amendments to Approved Document L Volume 1 (Dwellings) 2022 edition, and publication of a frequently asked questions document for Approved Document O (Overheating) 2022 edition. 
    
2. The amendments to the Approved Document L volume 1 will come into force on 31 May 2024 in the circumstances set out in the formal notice of approval in Annex [A] to this Circular.
    
3. The purpose of this Circular is to:

• announce the publication of the amendments to Approved Document L Volume 1 (Dwellings) 2022 edition.
• draw attention to the transitional provisions for the above changes
• draw attention to a new frequently asked questions document for Approved Document O (Overheating) 2022 edition. 

4. This circular does not give advice on the technical requirements in the Building Regulations 2010 as these are matters covered by Approved Documents.

5. The guidance in this circular applies to buildings and building work in Wales.

6. Approved Documents provide statutory guidance on the application and compliance with the Building Regulations. An amendment slip, “Amendments to Approved Document L”, is being published alongside this Circular on the Welsh Government website. The amendment slip rectifies errors and a missing paragraph that have been identified since publication of the approved document.

7. The amendments to the approved document take effect on 31 May 2024. 

   The amendments do not apply in any case where a building notice or an initial notice has been given to, or full plans deposited with, a local authority and either the building work to which it relates:

   (a) Started before that day; or
   
   (b) is started within the period of six months beginning on that day.

8. Annex A to this Circular give the Notice of Approval for the amendments to the Approved Document.

9. Approved Document O (Overheating) 2022 edition took effect on 23 November 2022, and provides guidance for reducing overheating risk in new residential buildings. An FAQ document has now been published on the Welsh Government website, which is available from: Building regulations guidance: part O (overheating) 

10. Copies of the amendment slip and circular are available from: https://gov.wales/building-regulations 

Any enquiries on this Circular Letter should be addressed to: 

Building Regulations, Welsh Government, Rhydycar, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ

E mail: enquiries.brconstruction@gov.wales 

Yours faithfully,

Mark Tambini 

Head of Building Regulations Policy

Building Act 1984

Notice of approval of amendments of documents giving practical guidance with respect to the requirements of the Building Regulations 2010

Welsh Ministers hereby give notice under section 6 of the Building Act 1984 that, in exercise of the said powers under section 6, they have approved the amendments to the Approved Document listed below for the purposes of giving practical guidance with respect to the specified requirements of the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended) in Wales only.

The amendments take effect on 31 May 2024 except in respect of work already commenced before that date or in respect of work for which a building notice or initial notice has been given or full plans deposited before that date and provided work commences within the period of six months beginning on that day.

Approved document

Amendments to Approved Document L Volume 1 (Conservation of fuel and power) 2022 edition.

Requirements of the Building Regulations in respect of which the document is approved

Part L of Schedule 1

Date from which the amendments take effect

31 May 2024