Law

Building Act 1984

United Kingdom · statute

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In force since 2026-07-01, as the publisher states.

Copy read on 2026-11-08. The page it was read from

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.

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Contents: 225 provisions
  1. Title and introductory text
  2. 1 Power to make building regulations.
  3. 1A Buildings of special historical or architectural interest
  4. 2 Continuing requirements.
  5. 2A Continuing requirements in relation to fuel, power and emissions
  6. 2B Optional requirements
  7. 2C Review of minimum energy performance requirements
  8. 3 Exemption of particular classes of buildings etc.
  9. 4 Exemption of educational buildings and buildings of statutory undertakers.
  10. 5 Exemption of public bodies from procedural requirements of building regulations.
  11. 6 Approval of documents for purposes of building regulations.
  12. 7 Compliance or non-compliance with approved documents.
  13. 8 Relaxation of building regulations.
  14. 9 Application for relaxation.
  15. 10 Advertisement of proposal for relaxation of building regulations.
  16. 11 Type relaxation of building regulations.
  17. 12 Power of appropriate national authority to approve type of building matter.
  18. 13 Delegation of power to approve.
  19. 14 Consultation with Building Regulations Advisory Committee and other bodies : Wales
  20. 15 Consultation with fire authority.
  21. 16 Passing or rejection of plans.
  22. 17 Approval of persons to give certificates etc.
  23. 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  24. 19 Use of short-lived materials.
  25. 21 Provision of drainage.
  26. 22 Drainage of buildings in combination.
  27. 23 Provision of facilities for refuse.
  28. 24 Provision of exits etc.
  29. 25 Provision of water supply.
  30. 26–29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  31. 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  32. 30A Determination of certain applications by appropriate national authority
  33. 31 Proposed departure from plans.
  34. 32 Lapse of building control approval
  35. 33 Tests for conformity with building regulations.
  36. 34 Classification of buildings.
  37. 35 Offence of contravening building regulations etc
  38. 35A Time limit for prosecution for contravention of ... building regulations
  39. 35B Compliance notices
  40. 35C Stop notices
  41. 35D Compliance and stop notices: supplementary
  42. 36 Removal or alteration of offending work.
  43. 37 Obtaining of report where section 36 notice given.
  44. 38 Civil liability.
  45. 39 Appeal against refusal etc. to relax building regulations.
  46. 39A Appeals against compliance notices and stop notices etc
  47. 40 Appeal against section 36 notice.
  48. 41 Appeal to Crown Court.
  49. 42 Appeal and statement of case to High Court in certain cases.
  50. 43 Procedure on appeal to Secretary of State on certain matters.
  51. 43A Appeals under sections 20, 39 and 50: England
  52. 46 Inner London.
  53. 46A Building control authorities: restricted activities and functions
  54. 47 Giving and acceptance of initial notice.
  55. 48 Effect of initial notice.
  56. 49 Approved inspectors.
  57. 50 Plans certificates.
  58. 51 Final certificates.
  59. 51A Variation of work to which initial notice relates.
  60. 51B Effect of amendment notice
  61. 51C Change of person intending to carry out work
  62. 52 Cancellation of initial notice.
  63. 52A Cancellation of initial notice when work becomes higher-risk building work
  64. 52B Effect of initial notice ceasing to be in force where work becomes higher-risk building work
  65. 53 Effect of initial notice ceasing to be in force.
  66. 53A Lapse of initial notice
  67. 53B New initial notice: change of registered building control approver
  68. 53C Consideration of transfer certificate and report
  69. 53D Cancellation of initial notice: change of registered building control approver
  70. 53E Restriction on functions of registered building control approvers
  71. 54 Giving, acceptance and effect of public body’s notice.
  72. 54A Public bodies and higher-risk building work
  73. 54B Registered building control approvers: restricted activities and functions
  74. 55 Appeals.
  75. 56 Recording and furnishing of information.
  76. 56A Giving information by electronic means: England
  77. 56B Requirement to keep register: England
  78. 56C Delegation of functions
  79. 57 Offences.
  80. 58 Construction of Part II.
  81. 58A “Regulatory authority”
  82. 58B “Registered building inspector”
  83. 58C Register of building inspectors
  84. 58D Application for registration as building inspector
  85. 58E Variation or cancellation of registration as building inspector
  86. 58F Code of conduct
  87. 58G Registered building inspectors: information notices
  88. 58H Professional misconduct investigations
  89. 58I Sanctions for professional misconduct
  90. 58J Interim suspension for suspected serious professional misconduct
  91. 58K Suspension orders: further provision
  92. 58L Offences relating to registration
  93. 58M Offence of acting as, or pretending to be, a registered building inspector
  94. 58N “Registered building control approver”
  95. 58O Register of building control approvers
  96. 58P Application for registration as building control approver
  97. 58Q Variation or cancellation of registration as building control approver
  98. 58R Professional conduct rules
  99. 58S Registered building control approvers: information notices
  100. 58T Investigations into contraventions of professional conduct rules
  101. 58U Sanctions for contravention of professional conduct rules
  102. 58V Interim suspension for suspected serious contravention
  103. 58W Offence of registered building control approver acting outside scope of registration
  104. 58X Offence of pretending to be a registered building control approver
  105. 58Y Delegation of registration functions
  106. 58Z Operational standards rules
  107. 58Z1 Reporting requirements
  108. 58Z2 Information: Wales
  109. 58Z3 Investigations
  110. 58Z4 Improvement notice
  111. 58Z5 Serious contravention notices
  112. 58Z6 Continuing failure to meet standards: registered building control approvers
  113. 58Z7 Continuing failure to meet standards: local authorities in England
  114. 58Z8 Inspections
  115. 58Z9 Sharing of information between regulatory authorities
  116. 58Z10 Appeal to Crown Court
  117. 59 Drainage of building.
  118. 60 Use and ventilation of soil pipes.
  119. 61 Repair etc, of drain.
  120. 62 Disconnection of drain.
  121. 63 Improper construction or repair of water-closet or drain.
  122. 64 Provision of closets in building.
  123. 65 Provision of sanitary conveniences in workplace.
  124. 66 Replacement of earth-closets etc.
  125. 67 Loan of temporary sanitary conveniences.
  126. 68 Erection of public conveniences.
  127. 69 Provision of water supply in occupied house.
  128. 70 Provision of food storage accommodation in house.
  129. 71 Entrances, exits etc. to be required in certain cases.
  130. 72 Means of escape from fire.
  131. 73 Raising of chimney.
  132. 74 Cellars and rooms below subsoil water level.
  133. 75 Consents under s. 74.
  134. 76 Defective premises.
  135. 77 Dangerous building.
  136. 78 Dangerous building—emergency measures.
  137. 79 Ruinous and dilapidated buildings and neglected sites.
  138. 79A Wales: exercise of powers under sections 77 and 79 in relation to listed buildings, buildings in conservation areas etc.
  139. 80 Notice to local authority of intended demolition.
  140. 81 Local authority’s power to serve notice about demolition.
  141. 82 Notices under section 81.
  142. 83 Appeal against notice under s. 81.
  143. 84 Paving and drainage of yards and passages.
  144. 85 Maintenance of entrances to courtyards.
  145. 86 Appeal to Crown Court.
  146. 87 Application of provisions to Crown property.
  147. 88 Inner London.
  148. 89 References in Acts to building byelaws.
  149. 90 Facilities for inspecting local Acts.
  150. 90A Functions under this Part: the regulator etc
  151. 91 Duties of local authorities and the regulator.
  152. 91ZA The regulator: building control authority for higher-risk buildings in England
  153. 91ZB The regulator: building control authority for other work
  154. 91ZC Section 91ZB: supplementary
  155. 91ZD Higher-risk buildings in Wales: local authority work
  156. 91A Registers to be kept by local authorities and the regulator
  157. 91B Cooperation and the sharing of information: Wales
  158. 92 Form of documents.
  159. 93 Authentication of documents.
  160. 94 Service of documents.
  161. 94A Electronic service of documents
  162. 95 Power to enter premises.
  163. 96 Supplementary provisions as to entry.
  164. 97 Power to execute work.
  165. 98 Power to require occupier to permit work.
  166. 99 Content and enforcement of notice requiring works.
  167. 100 Sale of materials.
  168. 101 Breaking open of streets.
  169. 101A Appeal: refusal to consider application etc on ground is higher-risk building work
  170. 102 Appeal against notice requiring works.
  171. 103 Procedure on appeal or application to appropriate court or tribunal.
  172. 104 Local authority or regulator to give effect to appeal.
  173. 105 Judge not disqualified by liability to rates.
  174. 105A Enforcement of decisions of the First-tier and Upper Tribunal
  175. 105B Fees and charges
  176. 105C Levy on certain applications for building control approval etc
  177. 106 Compensation for damage.
  178. 107 Recovery of expenses etc.
  179. 108 Payment by instalments.
  180. 109 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  181. 110 Liability of agent or trustee.
  182. 111 Arbitration.
  183. 112 Obstruction
  184. 112A Liability of officers of body corporate etc
  185. 113 Prosecution of offences.
  186. 114 Continuing offences.
  187. 115 Protection of members etc. of authorities.
  188. 116 Default powers of appropriate national authority.
  189. 117 Expenses of appropriate national authority.
  190. 118 Variations or revocation of order transferring powers.
  191. 119 Local inquiries.
  192. 120 Orders.
  193. 120A Regulations
  194. 120B Proposals and consultation relating to regulations made by the Secretary of State
  195. 120C Consultation relating to regulations made by the Welsh Ministers
  196. 120D Meaning of “higher-risk building”: England
  197. 120E Regulations under section 120D: procedure
  198. 120F Regulations under section 120D: additional procedure in certain cases
  199. 120G Recommendations about regulations under section 120D
  200. 120H Advice about regulations under section 120D
  201. 120I Higher-risk buildings and higher-risk building work: Wales
  202. 121 Meaning of “building”.
  203. 121A Meaning of “building control authority”
  204. 122 Meaning of “building regulations”.
  205. 123 Meaning of “construct”and “erect”.
  206. 124 Meaning of deposit of plans
  207. 125 Construction and availability of sewers.
  208. 125A Meaning of work
  209. 126 General interpretation.
  210. 127 Construction of certain references concerning Temples.
  211. 128 Protection for dock and railway undertakings.
  212. 129 Saving for Local Land Charges Act 1975.
  213. 130 Saving for other laws.
  214. 131 Restriction of application of Part IV to Schedule 3.
  215. 132 Transitional provisions.
  216. 133 Consequential amendments and repeals.
  217. 134 Commencement.
  218. 135 Short title and extent.
  219. SCHEDULE 1 Building Regulations
  220. SCHEDULE 2 Relaxation of Building Regulations for Existing Work
  221. SCHEDULE 3 Inner London
  222. SCHEDULE 4 Provisions Consequential Upon Public Body’s Notice
  223. SCHEDULE 5 Transitional Provisions
  224. SCHEDULE 6 Consequential Amendments
  225. SCHEDULE 7 Repeals

Proposed changes to this act

No one has proposed a change to this act yet.

225 provisions

120I Higher-risk buildings and higher-risk building work: Wales

(1) This section applies for the purposes of this Act as it applies in relation to Wales. (2) “Higher-risk building” means a building of a description specified in regulations made by the Welsh Ministers. (3) “Higher-risk building work” means any work relating to a higher-risk building or a proposed higher-risk building, including— (a) any work relating to a building that is not a higher-risk building that causes it to become such a building, and (b) any work relating to a higher-risk building that causes it to cease to be such a building. (4) The Welsh Ministers may by regulations define “building” for the purposes of this section. (5) The regulations may in particular provide that “building” includes— (a) any other structure or erection of any kind (whether temporary or permanent); (b) any vehicle, vessel or other movable object of any kind, in such circumstances as may be specified.

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121 Meaning of “building”.

(1) The word “building”, for the purposes of— (a) Part I of this Act, and (b) any other enactment (whether or not contained in this Act) that relates to building regulations, or that mentions “buildings” or “a building” in a context from which it appears that those expressions are there intended to have the same meaning as in Part I of this Act, means any permanent or temporary building, and, unless the context otherwise requires, it includes any other structure or erection of whatever kind or nature (whether permanent or temporary). (2) In subsection (1) above, “structure or erection” includes a vehicle, vessel, hovercraft, aircraft or other movable object of any kind in such circumstances as may be prescribed (being circumstances that in the opinion of the appropriate national authority justify treating it for those purposes as a building). (3) For the purposes mentioned in subsection (1) above, unless the context otherwise requires— (a) a reference to a building includes a reference to part of a building and (b) a reference to the provision of services, fittings and equipment in or in connection with buildings, or to services, fittings and equipment so provided, includes a reference to the affixing of things to buildings or, as the case may be, to things so affixed. (4) Nothing in this section applies in relation to section 120D or 120I.

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121A Meaning of “building control authority”

(1) In this Act “building control authority” means— (a) the regulator, in cases where section 91ZA or 91ZB provides that the regulator is the building control authority; (b) the local authority mentioned in subsection (2), in any other case. (2) That local authority is— (a) if, by virtue of regulations made under section 91ZD (higher-risk buildings in Wales: local authority work), a designated local authority is the building control authority, that local authority; (b) otherwise, the local authority for the area in which the building is situated or the proposed building is to be situated.

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122 Meaning of “building regulations”.

In this Act— (a) “building regulations” means, subject to paragraph (b) below, regulations made under section 1 above; (b) a reference to building regulations, in a particular case in relation to which a requirement of building regulations is for the time being dispensed with, waived, relaxed or modified by virtue of section 8 or 11 above or any other enactment, is a reference to building regulations as they apply in that case, unless the context otherwise requires.

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123 Meaning of “construct”and “erect”.

(1) For the purposes of— (a) Part I of this Act, and (b) any other enactment (whether or not contained in this Act) that relates to building regulations, or that mentions “buildings” or “a building” in a context from which it appears that those expressions are there intended to have the same meaning as in the said Part I, references to the construction or erection of a building include references to— (i) the carrying out of such operations (whether for the reconstruction of a building, the roofing over of an open space between walls or buildings, or otherwise) as may be designated in building regulations as operations falling to be treated for those purposes as the construction or erection of a building, and (ii) the conversion of a movable object into what is by virtue of section 121(1) and (2) above a building. and “construct” and “erect” shall be construed accordingly. (2) For the purposes of Part III of this Act, each of the following operations is deemed to be the erection of a building— (a) the re-erection of a building or part of a building when an outer wall of that building or, as the case may be, that part of a building has been pulled down, or burnt down, to within 10 feet of the surface of the ground adjoining the lowest storey of the building or of that part of the building, (b) the re-erection of a frame building or part of a frame building when that building or part of a building has been so far pulled down, or burnt down, as to leave only the framework of the lowest storey of the building or of that part of the building, (c) the roofing over of an open space between walls or buildings, and “erect” shall be construed accordingly.

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124 Meaning of deposit of plans

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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125 Construction and availability of sewers.

(1) A reference in Part I of this Act to the construction of a sewer includes a reference to the extension of an existing sewer. (2) For the purposes of sections 64(2) and 66(1) above, a building or proposed building— (a) is not deemed to have a sufficient water supply available unless— (i) it has a sufficient supply of water laid on, or (ii) such a supply can be laid on to it from a point within 100 feet of the site of the building or proposed building, and the intervening land is land through which the owner of the building or proposed building is, or will be, entitled to lay a communication pipe, and (b) is not deemed to have a sewer available unless— (i) there is within 100 feet of the site of the building or proposed building, and at a level that makes it reasonably practicable to construct a drain to communicate with it, a public sewer or other sewer that the owner of the building or proposed building is, or will be, entitled to use, and (ii) the intervening land is land through which he is entitled to construct a drain. (3) The limit of 100 feet does not apply, for the purposes of subsection (2) above, if the local authority undertake to bear so much of the expenses reasonably incurred in— (a) constructing, and maintaining and repairing, a drain to communicate with a sewer, or (b) laying, and maintaining and repairing, a pipe for the purpose of obtaining a supply of water, as the case may be, as is attributable of the fact that the distance of the sewer, or of the point from which a supply of water can be laid on, exceeds 100 feet.

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125A Meaning of work

(1) In the relevant provisions references to work include a material change of use as defined by building regulations. (2) The appropriate national authority may by regulations provide that in a specified relevant provision references to work include any specified matter. (3) “Relevant provision” means any provision of the following— (a) Part 1 except sections 2(3) to (5), 20(9), 21(7), 22(2), 33(3A), 36, 37 and paragraph 1G of Schedule 1; (b) Part 2; (c) Part 2A; (d) sections 91ZA to 91ZD; (e) section 101A; (f) section 105C; (g) section 120I (3). (4) In this section “specified” means specified by regulations under this section.

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126 General interpretation.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires— “Act” includes an enactment contained in a local Act; “appropriate court or tribunal” means— in relation to England, the tribunal; in relation to Wales, a magistrates’ court; “appropriate national authority” means— in relation to England, the Secretary of State; in relation to Wales, the Welsh Ministers; ... “authorised officer”, in relation to a local authority, means— an officer of the local authority authorised by them in writing, either generally or specially, to act in matters of a specified kind or in a specified matter, or by virtue of his appointment and for the purpose of matters within his province, a proper officer of the local authority ...; “building control approval” has the meaning given by paragraph 1B of Schedule 1; “building control authority” has the meaning given by section 121A; “cesspool” includes a settlement tank or other tank for the reception or disposal of foul matter from buildings; “closet” includes privy; “contravention” includes failure to comply, and “contravene” has a corresponding meaning; “the data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act); ... “drain” means a drain used for the drainage of one building or of buildings or yards appurtenant to buildings within the same curtilage, and includes any manholes, ventilating shafts, pumps or other accessories belonging to the drain; “earth-closet” means a closet having a movable receptacle for the reception of faecal matter and its deodorisation by the use of earth, ashes or chemicals, or by other methods; “enactment” includes an enactment contained in a local Act; “factory” has the meaning given by section 175 of the Factories Act 1961; “fire and rescue authority” in relation to any premises or proposed premises, means— where the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the premises or proposed premises, the enforcing authority within the meaning given by article 25 of that Order; in any other case, the fire and rescue authority under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 for the area in which the premises are or are to be situated; “functions” includes powers and duties; “higher-risk building”— in relation to England, has the meaning given by section 120D; in relation to Wales, has the meaning given by section 120I; “higher-risk building work”— in relation to England, has the meaning given by section 91ZA; in relation to Wales, has the meaning given by section 120I; “highway authority” means, in the case of a highway repairable by the inhabitants at large, the council in whom the highway is vested; “house” means a dwelling-house, whether a private dwelling-house or not; “inner London” means the area comprising the inner London boroughs, the City of London, the Inner Temple and the Middle Temple; “joint board” has the meaning given by section 343(1) of the Public Health Act 1936; ... “local Act” includes a provisional order confirmed by Parliament, and the confirming Act so far as it relates to that order; “local authority” means the council of a district or London borough, the Common Council of the City of London, the Sub-Treasurer of the Inner Temple, the Under Treasurer of the Middle Temple or, for the purposes of Parts I and II above and of this Part so far as it relates to them, the Council of the Isles of Scilly but, in relation to Wales, means the council of a county or county borough;; “maximum summary term for either-way offences”, with reference to imprisonment for an offence, means— if the offence is committed before the time when paragraph 24(2) of Schedule 22 to the Sentencing Act 2020 comes into force, 6 months; if the offence is committed after that time, 12 months; “modifications” includes additions, omissions and amendments, and related expressions shall be construed accordingly; “officer” includes servant; “owner” means the person for the time being receiving the rackrent of the premises in connection with which the word is used, whether on his own account or as agent or trustee for another person, or who would so receive it if those premises were let at a rackrent; “plans” includes drawings of any other description, and also specifications or other information in any form; “prejudicial to health” means injurious, or likely to cause injury, to health; “premises” includes buildings, land, easements and hereditaments of any tenure; “prescribed” means prescribed by building regulations; “private sewer” means a sewer that is not a public sewer; “proper officer”, in relation to a purpose and to a local authority, means an officer appointed for that purpose by that authority; “public sewer” has the same meaning as in the Water Industry Act 1991; “rackrent”, in relation to property, means a rent that is not less than two-thirds of the rent at which the property might reasonably be expected to let from year to year, free from all usual tenant’s rates and taxes, and deducting from it the probable average annual cost of the repairs, insurance and other expenses (if any) necessary to maintain the property in a state to command such rent; “rating district” has the meaning given by section 115(1) of the General Rate Act 1967; “registered building control approver” has the meaning given by section 58N; “registered building inspector” has the meaning given by section 58B; “the regulator” means the Building Safety Regulator; “regulatory authority” has the meaning given by section 58A; ... “sanitary convenience” means closet or urinal; “school” includes a Sunday school or a Sabbath school; “sewer” does not include a drain as defined in this section, but otherwise it includes all sewers and drains used for the drainage of buildings and yards appurtenant to buildings, and any manholes, ventilating shafts, pumps or other accessories belonging to the sewer; ... ... “statutory undertakers” means persons authorised by an enactment or statutory order to construct, work or carry on a railway, canal, inland navigation, dock, harbour, tramway, ... ..., ... or other public undertaking; but does not include a universal service provider (within the meaning of Part 3 of the Postal Services Act 2011) or a relevant company (within the meaning of Part 4 of the Postal Services Act 2000); ... “street” includes a highway, including a highway over a bridge, and a road, lane, footway, square, court, alley or passage, whether a thoroughfare or not; “substantive requirements”, in relation to building regulations, means the requirements of building regulations with respect to the matters mentioned in section 1(1A) above (including requirements imposed by virtue of section 2(1) or (2)(a) or (b) above) and requirements that are of a kind mentioned in subsection (2)(a), (b) or (c) of section 2A above and are imposed by virtue of subsection (1) of that section, as distinct from procedural requirements; “surface water” includes water from roofs; “the tribunal” means the First-tier Tribunal; “water-closet” means a closet that has a separate fixed receptacle connected to a drainage system and separate provision for flushing from a supply of clean water either by the operation of mechanism or by automatic action; “workplace” does not include a factory, but otherwise it includes any place in which persons are employed otherwise than in domestic service.

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127 Construction of certain references concerning Temples.

In relation to the Inner Temple and the Middle Temple, a reference in a provision of this Part of this Act to the proper officer or an officer or authorised officer of a local authority is a reference to an officer authorised by the Sub-Treasurer or the Under Treasurer, as the case may be, to act for the purposes of that provision.

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128 Protection for dock and railway undertakings.

Section 333 of the Public Health Act 1936 applies in relation to local authorities acting under this Act as it applies in relation to local authorities acting under that Act.

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129 Saving for Local Land Charges Act 1975.

Nothing in this Act about the recovery of expenses from owners of premises affects the Local Land Charges Act 1975.

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130 Saving for other laws.

All powers and duties conferred or imposed by this Act are in addition to, and not in derogation of, any other powers and duties conferred or imposed by Act, law or custom, and subject to any express provision of this Act, all such other powers and duties may be exercised and shall be performed in the same manner as if this Act had not been passed.

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131 Restriction of application of Part IV to Schedule 3.

This Part has effect subject to paragraph 13 of Schedule 3 to this Act.

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132 Transitional provisions.

The transitional provisions contained in Schedule 5 to this Act have effect.

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133 Consequential amendments and repeals.

(1) The enactments specified in Schedule 6 to this Act have effect subject to the amendments specified in that Schedule. (2) The enactments specified in Schedule 7 to this Act are repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule.

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134 Commencement.

(1) The following provisions of this Act— (a) sections 12, 13, 31, 38, 42(4) to (6) and 43(3), except so far as they enable regulations to be made, (b) sections 20, 33, 42(1) to (3), 43(1) and (2), 44 and 45, (c) section 133(2) and Schedule 7 so far as they relate to . . . the Atomic Energy Authority Act 1954, and (d) section 50(2) and (3) and paragraph 9 of Schedule 1, come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint. (1A) Except so far as relating to the provisions listed in subsection (1B), the reference in subsection (1) to the Secretary of State is to be read, in relation to Wales, as a reference to the Welsh Ministers. (1B) The provisions mentioned in subsection (1A) are sections 38, 44, 45 and 133(2) and Schedule 7. (2) Subject to— (a) subsection (1) above, and (b) sections . . . 42(7) above, this Act comes into force on 1st December 1984.

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135 Short title and extent.

(1) This Act may be cited as the Building Act 1984. (2) This Act does not extend to Scotland or to Northern Ireland.

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SCHEDULE 1 Building Regulations

Section 1(3). 1 Building regulations may— (a) provide for particular requirements of the regulations to be deemed to be complied with where prescribed methods of construction, prescribed types of materials or other prescribed means are used in or in connection with buildings (b) be framed to any extent by reference to a document published by or on behalf of the appropriate national authority or another person or a body, or by reference to the approval or satisfaction of a prescribed person or body. Procedural requirements etc: general 1A (1) Building regulations may make provision about the procedure that may or must be followed in relation to any work. (2) The regulations may in particular make provision for and in connection with— (a) the giving of notices; (b) the making of applications to building control authorities; (c) the giving or receipt of certificates; (d) requiring a prescribed person, in prescribed circumstances, to consult such other person as may be prescribed. (3) The regulations may— (a) confer on a building control authority a power to require a person to notify the authority of specified matters by the specified time; (b) provide that in prescribed circumstances an application is treated as granted or is treated as refused; (c) make provision about the effect of the grant of an application; (d) make provision about the effect of certificates; (e) require a person consulted to give a substantive response to the consultation before the end of a prescribed period. (4) In sub-paragraph (3)(a) “specified” means specified by the building control authority. Applications for building control approval 1B (1) Building regulations may in particular make provision for and in connection with applications for building control approval (including approval of changes to anything that has already been approved). (2) “Building control approval”— (a) in relation to any work, means the approval by the building control authority of— (i) plans of the work, and (ii) such other documents, relating to compliance with any provision of building regulations, as may be prescribed (or, in a case within sub-paragraph (5), as are provided to the authority); (b) in relation to a change to a relevant document, means the approval by the authority of the change. (3) Building regulations may— (a) confer on building control authorities a power, with the consent of the applicant— (i) to impose requirements (including in particular requirements of a kind mentioned in sub-paragraph (4)) when granting an application; (ii) to vary requirements; (b) make provision about the cases in which an application for approval of a change must be made (including provision conferring on building control authorities a power to specify the circumstances in which such an application must be made). (4) The requirements referred to in sub-paragraph (3)(a) are— (a) a requirement relating to the provision of a revised version of a specified relevant document; (b) a requirement that the work does not proceed beyond a specified stage unless a specified relevant document has been given to, and approved by, the building control authority. (5) Building regulations may provide that in prescribed cases— (a) an application may be made to the authority for approval of the plans and such other relevant documents as the applicant considers appropriate, and (b) the authority may refuse the application if the applicant does not, on request, provide it with a specified relevant document. (6) In this paragraph— (a) “relevant document” means— (i) the plans mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(a)(i), or (ii) a document prescribed for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(a)(ii); (b) “specified” means specified by the building control authority; (c) a reference to a change to a document includes the replacement of it. Certificates: approved schemes 1C (1) Building regulations may in particular make provision for and in connection with certificates that are given— (a) by a member of a scheme that is approved, (b) in accordance with the scheme, and (c) in accordance with any prescribed requirement relating to the provision of insurance cover in respect of work to which the certificate relates. (2) Building regulations may make provision for and in connection with— (a) the approval of schemes by the appropriate national authority or a person designated by that authority; (b) the suspension or withdrawal of approvals (including provision about appeals to the appropriate court or tribunal against the suspension or withdrawal of approvals). (3) The regulations may in particular provide that a scheme may be approved (and may remain approved) only if prescribed requirements relating to the provision of insurance cover are complied with. (4) The regulations may provide— (a) that an approval has effect for a particular period (including a period specified in the approval), or (b) that an approval has effect until it is suspended or withdrawn. (5) The requirements relating to insurance cover that may be prescribed include in particular a requirement that insurance cover is provided through a scheme of insurance approved by the appropriate national authority or a person designated by that authority. Obtaining, keeping and giving information and documents 1D (1) Building regulations may, in relation to any work, make provision about— (a) obtaining information or documents; (b) creating documents; (c) keeping information or documents; (d) giving information or documents. (2) The regulations may in particular— (a) provide that information or documents must be given or kept in accordance with prescribed standards; (b) impose requirements as regards keeping information or documents up to date; (c) confer on building control authorities or other prescribed persons a power, in prescribed circumstances, to require a person to give information to them. (3) Where building regulations provide that any information or document must be given, they may make provision about the admissibility in any criminal proceedings of the information or document. Reporting requirements: duty to establish and operate system 1E (1) This paragraph applies where building regulations made by virtue of paragraph 1D require a person to give information— (a) in relation to work in England, to the regulator; (b) in relation to work in Wales, to the building control authority. (2) For the purpose of facilitating and securing compliance with any such requirement, the regulations may— (a) require a prescribed person to establish and operate a system for the giving of prescribed information to such person as may be prescribed, and (b) make provision about such systems. Form and content of documents etc 1F (1) Where building regulations provide that any document must or may be given, they may make provision about— (a) the form and content of the document; (b) the information and other documents that must accompany it; (c) the way in which the document, and anything that is to accompany it, is to be given. (2) Where building regulations provide that any information must or may be given, they may make provision about the way in which it is to be given. (3) Building regulations may provide that any of the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c) of sub-paragraph (1), or in sub-paragraph (2), are to be specified in a direction made and published in accordance with the regulations. (4) Building regulations may provide that— (a) a prescribed application must be accompanied by such prescribed documents as the applicant considers appropriate, and (b) the building control authority may refuse the application if the applicant does not, on request, provide it with a document of a kind prescribed for the purposes of paragraph (a) in relation to the application. Inspection, testing etc 1G (1) Building regulations may make provision for and in connection with— (a) the inspection and testing of work; (b) the inspection and testing of buildings; (c) the inspection and testing of services, fittings and equipment provided in connection with buildings; (d) the taking of samples. (2) The regulations may in particular— (a) prohibit the covering up of any work, for a prescribed period after a prescribed or specified event; (b) provide for the cutting into or laying open of any work or building, or the pulling down of any work. (3) In sub-paragraph (2)(a) “specified” means specified by the building control authority. Applications to building control authorities: extension of period by agreement 1H Building regulations may provide that any prescribed period for the doing of a thing by a building control authority in connection with an application made to it may be extended by agreement between the authority and the applicant. Appeals 1I (1) Building regulations may make provision for and in connection with appeals against decisions made under, or under an instrument made under, Part 1, 2 or 2A of this Act. (2) The regulations may confer, in respect of a prescribed decision— (a) in relation to England— (i) a right to appeal to the regulator or the tribunal, and (ii) in the case of an appeal to the regulator, a right of appeal to the tribunal against the decision of the regulator made on appeal; (b) in relation to Wales— (i) a right to appeal to the Welsh Ministers or a magistrates’ court, and (ii) in the case of an appeal to the Welsh Ministers, a right of appeal to a magistrates’ court or a right of appeal to the High Court, against the decision of the Welsh Ministers made on appeal. (3) The provision that may be made in connection with appeals includes provision about a right of appeal conferred by Part 1, 2 or 2A. (4) The regulations may in particular make provision about— (a) the grounds upon which an appeal may be made; (b) the period within which an appeal must be made; (c) the way in which any appeal is to be made; (d) the powers of the court, tribunal or other person determining the appeal (including provision conferring a power to give directions and, in the case of the regulator or Welsh Ministers, powers in respect of costs). (5) In respect of appeals to the regulator or the Welsh Ministers, the regulations may make provision about procedural matters (including provision conferring a discretion as to the procedure to be adopted). (6) In respect of appeals to the Welsh Ministers, the regulations may in particular make provision for and in connection with the Welsh Ministers appointing a person to determine the appeal (including provision conferring functions on that person and providing that their decision is treated as the decision of the Welsh Ministers). 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appointed persons 5A (1) Building regulations may require prescribed appointments to be made in relation to any work. (2) Building regulations may make provision about appointments, including provision about— (a) the persons who are to make appointments; (b) the persons who may be appointed; (c) the time by which appointments must be made; (d) the period for which persons are to be appointed; (e) the termination of appointments; (f) the replacement of appointed persons. (3) The regulations may provide that in prescribed circumstances an appointment is treated as made. (4) In this Schedule “appointed person”, in relation to any work, means a person appointed in relation to that work under building regulations made by virtue of this paragraph. General duties 5B (1) Building regulations may, for the purpose of facilitating compliance with any requirement of building regulations in relation to any work to which building regulations are applicable— (a) impose duties on relevant persons in connection with the planning or management of the work; (b) require relevant persons to co-operate with other relevant persons. (2) The following are “relevant persons” for this purpose— (a) any appointed person; (b) any prescribed person. Competence requirements 5C (1) Building regulations may, in relation to any work, impose competence requirements on— (a) any appointed person, or (b) any prescribed person. (2) A “competence requirement” is a requirement relating to— (a) the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours of an individual; (b) the capability of a person other than an individual to perform its functions under building regulations. (3) The regulations may require an appointed person who is not an individual to give an individual acting under its control who has the appropriate skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours the task of managing its functions as an appointed person. 6 Building regulations may make a prescribed person or class of persons responsible (instead of building control authorities) for performing prescribed functions of building control authorities under or in connection with building regulations, and for that purpose may provide for a prescribed enactment relating to building regulations and a prescribed provision of such regulations to apply (with any prescribed modifications) in relation to a prescribed person or a person of a prescribed class as that enactment or provision applies in relation to a building control authority. 7 Without prejudice to the generality of section 1(1) of this Act, building regulations may— (a) for any of the purposes mentioned in section 1(1) of this Act, make provision with respect to any of the following matters— (i) preparation of sites, (ii) suitability, durability, use and re-use of materials and components (including surface finishes), (iii) structural strength and stability, including— (a) precautions against overloading, impact and explosion, (b) measures to safeguard adjacent buildings and services, (c) underpinning, (iv) fire precautions, including— (a) structural measures to resist the outbreak and spread of fire and to mitigate its effects, (b) services, fittings and equipment designed to mitigate the effects of fire or to facilitate fire-fighting, (c) means of escape in case of fire and means for securing that such means of escape can be safely and effectively used at all material times, (v) resistance to moisture and decay, (vi) measures affecting the transmission of heat, (vii) measures affecting the transmission of sound, (viii) measures to prevent infestation, (ix) measures affecting the emission of smoke, gases, vapours, fumes, grit or dust or other noxious or offensive substances, (x) drainage (including waste disposal units), (xi) cesspools and other means for the reception, treatment or disposal of foul matter, (xii) storage, treatment and removal of waste, (xiii) installations utilising solid fuel, oil, gas, electricity or any other fuel or power (including appliances, storage tanks, heat exchangers, ducts, fans and other equipment), (xiv) water services (including wells and bore-holes for the supply of water) and fittings and fixed equipment associated therewith (including equipment for monitoring and measuring supplies of water), (xv) telecommunications services (including telephones and radio and television wiring installations), (xvi) lifts, escalators, hoists, conveyors and moving footways, (xvii) plant providing air under pressure, (xviii) standards of heating, artificial lighting, mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning and provision of power outlets, (xix) open space about buildings and the natural lighting and ventilation of buildings, (xx) accommodation for specific purposes in or in connection with buildings, and the dimensions of rooms and other spaces within buildings, (xxi) means of access to and egress from buildings and parts of buildings (xxii) prevention of danger and obstruction to persons in and about buildings (including passers-by), (xxiia) measures relating to the security of buildings, (xxiib) measures affecting the use of fuel or power, (xxiic) equipment for monitoring and measuring supplies of fuel, power or heat, (xxiid) recycling facilities (including facilities for composting), (xxiie) the production of heat or the generation of electricity by microgeneration (as defined for the purposes of this paragraph by building regulations), (xxiii) matters connected with or ancillary to any of the foregoing matters, (b) require things to be provided or done in connection with buildings (as well as regulating the provision or doing of things in connection with buildings), (c) prescribe the manner in which work is to be carried out. 8 (1) Building regulations may be made with respect to— (a) alterations and extensions of buildings and of services, fittings and equipment in or in connection with buildings, (b) new services, fittings or equipment provided in or in connection with buildings, (c) buildings and services, fittings and equipment in or in connection with buildings, so far as affected by— (i) alterations or extensions of buildings, or (ii) new, altered or extended services, fittings or equipment in or in connection with buildings, (d) the whole of a building, together with any services, fittings or equipment provided in or in connection with it, in respect of which there are or are proposed to be carried out any operations that by virtue of section 123(1) of this Act constitute the construction of a building for the purposes of this paragraph, (e) buildings or parts of buildings, together with any services, fittings or equipment provided in or in connection with them, in cases where the purposes for which or the manner or circumstances in which a building or part of a building is used change or changes in a way that constitutes a material change of use of the building or part within the meaning of the expression “material change of use” as defined ... by building regulations. (f) buildings or parts of buildings, together with any services, fittings or equipment provided in or in connection with them, in cases where the persons in occupation of a building or part of a building change in prescribed circumstances. (2) Subject to sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) below and to sections 2(2) and 2A of this Act, building regulations shall not apply to or in connection with buildings erected before the date on which the regulations come into force. (3) The following building regulations may be made to apply to or in connection with buildings erected before the date on which the regulations come into force— (a) regulations falling within sub-paragraph (1)(a) to (e) above; (b) regulations made with respect to the demolition of buildings; (c) regulations made with respect to the use of materials or components (including surface finishes) that (in whole or in part) have been produced from, or incorporate, recycled items; (d) regulations made with respect to the re-use of materials or components (including surface finishes); (e) regulations falling within sub-paragraph (4) below. (4) Building regulations fall within this sub-paragraph if— (a) in accordance with sub-paragraph (1)(f) above, they are framed by reference to a change in the occupants of a building (or part); and (b) they are— (i) made for the purpose mentioned in section 1(1)(b) of this Act; or (ii) made (otherwise than for that purpose) with respect to measures calculated to secure, or to contribute to, the prevention or reduction of emissions (whether or not from the building in question) of smoke, gases, vapours or fumes. (5) The provision that may be made by building regulations includes provision imposing on a person carrying out work of any type in relation to a building (whenever erected), or in relation to any service, fitting or equipment provided in or in connection with a building (whenever erected)— (a) a requirement to do things for the purpose mentioned in section 1(1)(b) of this Act; or (b) a requirement to do things (otherwise than for that purpose) with respect to measures calculated to secure, or to contribute to, the prevention or reduction of emissions (whether or not from the building in question) of smoke, gases, vapours or fumes. (5A) The provision that may be made by building regulations includes provision imposing on a person carrying out work of any type in relation to a building (whenever erected), or in relation to any service, fitting or equipment provided in or in connection with a building (whenever erected), a requirement to do things for the purpose mentioned in section 1(1)(a) of this Act in so far as it relates to the resistance or resilience of buildings in respect of flooding. (6) The things whose doing may be required by virtue of sub-paragraph (5) or (5A) above are— (a) things to be done in relation to the work in question; (b) any other things but only if they are to be done in relation to— (i) the building in question; or (ii) any service, fitting or equipment provided in or in connection with that building. (7) The provision that may be made by building regulations includes provision imposing a requirement to do things for the purpose mentioned in section 1(1)(b) (conserving fuel and power) in any case where a building becomes a building of a prescribed description. 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 (1) Building regulations may make supplementary, incidental, transitional, transitory or saving provision. (2) Building regulations may make— (a) different provision for different purposes, and (b) different provision for different areas. (3) The power conferred by sub-paragraph (2)(a) includes in particular the power to make different provision for— (a) higher-risk buildings or proposed higher-risk buildings, or (b) higher-risk building work, and different provision for different descriptions of such buildings or work. (4) Nothing in sub-paragraph (3) is to be read as limiting the effect of section 34 (classification of buildings). 11 (1) Building regulations may repeal or modify— (a) any of the following provisions of this Act: sections 15, 18, 19, 21 to 29, 41, 59 to 87, 91 to 119, 123(2) and 126 (except as to the definitions of “contravention”, “local authority”(as it applies for the purposes of Parts I and II of this Act), “modifications”, “plans”, “prescribed” and “substantive requirements”), and paragraphs 1 and 5 to 14 of Schedule 3, or (b) any provision of an Act passed before the 20th September 1974, if it appears to the appropriate national authority that it is inconsistent with, or is unnecessary or requires alteration in consequence of, any provision contained in or made under any enactment relating to building regulations. (2) Building regulations may— (a) repeal or alter section 12(1) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (byelaws as to supply of heat) or any provision of byelaws in force by virtue of it, and (b) make any modification of section 12(2) of that Act that the appropriate national authority considers is appropriate in consequence of the repeal or alteration. or (c) any provision of a local Act passed before the day on which the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 is passed,

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SCHEDULE 2 Relaxation of Building Regulations for Existing Work

Application of schedule 1 This Schedule applies to a direction under section 8 of this Act that will affect the application of building regulations to work that has been carried out before the giving of the direction. Cases where no direction may be given 2 Neither the appropriate national authority nor a building control authority shall give a direction to which this Schedule applies— (a) if the building control authority have, before the making of the application for the direction, become entitled under section 36(3) of this Act to pull down, remove or alter the work to which the application relates, or (b) if, when the application is made, there is in force an injunction or other direction given by a court or tribunal that requires the work to be pulled down, removed or altered. Suspension of certain provisions while application pending 3 (1) Subject to the following provisions of this Schedule, after the making of an application for a direction to which this Schedule applies, and until the application is withdrawn or finally disposed of, no section 36 notice shall be given as regards the work to which the application relates on the ground that it contravenes the requirement to which the application relates. (2) If an application for a direction to which this Schedule applies is made less than 12 months after the completion of the work to which the application relates, section 36(4) of this Act does not prevent the giving of a notice as regards that work at any time within a period of 3 months from the date on which the application is withdrawn or finally disposed of. (3) If an application for a direction to which this Schedule applies is made after a section 36 notice has been given on the ground that the work to which the application relates contravenes the requirement to which the application relates (not being an application prohibited by paragraph 2 of this Schedule), section 36(3) of this Act has effect in relation to that work as if for the reference to the period there mentioned there were substituted a reference to a period expiring 28 days after the application is withdrawn or finally disposed of, or such longer period as the appropriate court or tribunal may allow. (4) Subject to the following provisions of this Schedule, if an application for a direction to which this Schedule applies is made after any person has, in consequence of the carrying out of the work to which the application relates in contravention of building regulations, become liable to a penalty continuing from day to day, the daily penalty is not recoverable in respect of any day after the making of the application and before it is withdrawn or finally disposed of. (5) In a case where an application is withdrawn or is finally disposed of without any direction being given, the appropriate national authority or, as the case may be, the building control authority may order that the daily penalty is not recoverable in respect of any day during such further period not exceeding 28 days as may be specified in the order. 4 Paragraph 3(1), (3) and (4) above do not apply to an application that is a repetition, or substantially a repetition, of a previous application under section 8 of this Act. Saving for criminal liability incurred before making of application 5 The giving of a direction to which this Schedule applies does not affect the liability of a person for an offence committed before the giving of the direction, except so far as that liability depends on the continuation of the offence after the giving of the direction. Termination of proceedings under section 36 on giving of direction 6 If, before the giving of a direction to which this Schedule applies, a section 36 notice has been given, and the contravention of building regulations by virtue of which the notice was given comes to an end when the direction is given, the building control authority is not, after the giving of the direction, entitled to proceed under section 36(3) of this Act by virtue of that notice.

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SCHEDULE 3 Inner London

Sections 46, 88 and 91(2). Part I Application of Part I of this Act Application to inner London. 1 Sections . . . , . . . 24(1), (2) and (4), 25 . . . of this Act do not apply to inner London. Application of provisions by building regulations. 2 (1) Where, by section 91(2) above or by building regulations made under paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to this Act or paragraph 14(1) of this Schedule, local authorities, or a prescribed person or class of persons other than local authorities, are made responsible for— (a) enforcing, or (b) performing prescribed functions under or in connection with, building regulations in force in inner London, then, without prejudice to the said paragraphs 6 and 14(1), building regulations may in that connection provide for any relevant provision to apply (with any prescribed modifications, and notwithstanding paragraph 1 above) in relation to any such authority, person or class of persons as that provision applies in relation to a local authority outside inner London. (2) In sub-paragraph (1) above, “relevant provision” means any of the following provisions of this Act that may be prescribed for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) above: sections 4, 8 to 10, 16, 18(1), (4) and (5), 21 to 23, 24(1), (2) and (4), 26 to 29, 32, 36, 37, 39 and 40. Repeal and modification of Acts. 3 Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph 11(1) of Schedule 1 to this Act, building regulations may repeal or modify— (a) any provision of the London Building Acts 1930 to 1939, (b) any provision of an Act passed before the 20th September 1974, in so far as that provision— (i) applies to or to any part of inner London, and (ii) relates to, or to the making of, byelaws for or for any part of inner London with respect to any matter for or in connection with which provision can be made by building regulations, or (c) any provision of byelaws made or having effect under the said Acts or of any such byelaws as are mentioned in sub-paragraph (b)(ii) above, if it appears to the Secretary of State that the repeal or, as the case may be, the modification of that provision is expedient— (i) in consequence of the application of any of sections 61, 62 and 67 of the Public Health Act 1936, sections 4(2), (5), (6) and (7), 5 and 9 of the Public Health Act 1961 and sections 61 to 74 and 76 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to inner London by virtue of section 70(1) of the said Act of 1974 (which section is repealed by and incorporated in this Act), (ii) in consequence of paragraph 2 or 14 of this Schedule, or (iii) in connection with any provision contained in building regulations that aply to or to any part of inner London. Consultation. 4 Before making any building regulations that provide for the repeal or modification of any such provision the Secretary of State shall (without prejudice to the requirements as to consultation in section 120B(3) of this Act) consult any local authority who appear to him to be concerned. Part II Application of Part III of this Act Application to inner London. 5 Sections 71 , 72(1) to (4), (6) and (7), 73 to 75, 77 to 83, 85 and 90 of this Act do not apply to inner London. Application to Temples. 6 Sections 59 to 61 of this Act do not apply to the Inner Temple or the Middle Temple. Part III Building and Drainage of Buildings Drainage of new building. 7-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part IV Byelaws Byelaws about demolition. 10 (1) The council of an inner London borough may make byelaws in relation to the demolition of buildings in the borough— (a) requiring the fixing of fans at the level of each floor of a building undergoing demolition, (b) requiring the boarding up of windows in a building from which sashes and glass have been removed, (c) regulating the demolition of internal parts of buildings before any external walls are taken down, (d) requiring the placing of screens or mats, the use of water or the taking of other precautions to prevent nuisances arising from dust, (e) regulating the hours during which ceilings may be broken down and mortar may be shot, or be allowed to fall, into any lower floor, (f) requiring any person proposing to demolish a building to give to the borough council such notice of his intention to do so as may be specified in the byelaws. (2) Byelaws under this paragraph may make different provision for different cases, and in particular may provide that, in their application to an area specified in the byelaws, the byelaws shall have effect subject to such modifications or exceptions as may be so specified. (3) No byelaws under this paragraph shall apply to a building (not being a dwelling-house) belonging to a board carrying on a railway undertaking and used by that board as a part of, or in connection with, that undertaking. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restriction of application of Part IV of Act. 13 Part IV of this Act does not apply in relation to this Part of this Schedule, . . . Part V Enforcement of Building Regulations 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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SCHEDULE 4 Provisions Consequential Upon Public Body’s Notice

Section 54. Duration of notice 1 (1) A public body’s notice comes into force when it is accepted by the local authorty, either by notice given within the prescribed period to the public body by which it was given or by virtue of section 54(3) of this Act, and, subject to paragraph 3(3) (final certificates) and paragraph 4A (lapse of public body’s notice), continues in force until — (a) the occurrence of, or the expiry of a prescribed period of time beginning on the date of such event as may be prescribed, or (b) it is cancelled, in whole or part, by a notice under paragraph 1A (work in England reassessed as higher-risk building work). (2) Building regulations may empower a local authority to extend (whether before or after its expiry) any such period of time as is referred to in sub-paragraph (1) above. Cancellation of a public body’s notice where work to a building in England becomes higher-risk building work 1A. (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where— (a) a public body’s notice relating to a building in England is in force, and (b) it appears to the public body that some or all of the work in relation to which that notice has effect has become higher-risk building work. (2) Where this sub-paragraph applies the public body must, as soon as is reasonably practicable— (a) cancel the relevant part of the public body’s notice by notice in the prescribed form given to the local authority concerned, and (b) give a copy of that notice to the regulator. (3) Sub-paragraph (4) applies where— (a) a public body’s notice relating to a building in England is in force, and (b) it appears to the local authority concerned that some or all of the work in relation to which that notice has effect has become higher-risk building work. (4) Where this sub-paragraph applies the local authority must, as soon as is reasonably practicable— (a) cancel the relevant part of the public body’s notice by notice in the prescribed form given to the public body, and (b) give a copy of that notice to the regulator. (5) Where a notice is given under sub-paragraph (2) or (4) (a “cancellation notice”)— (a) the part of the public body’s notice to which the cancellation notice relates is cancelled with effect from the day after the day on which the cancellation notice is given, and (b) a new public body’s notice may not be given in relation to any of the work to which the cancelled part of the public body’s notice related. (6) Where a public body fails to— (a) give to a local authority a notice that the body is required to give by sub-paragraph (2); (b) give to the regulator a copy of a notice that the body is required to give by sub-paragraph (2), then on becoming aware of the failure the regulator may, by notice in writing, impose a penalty of £7,500, which is recoverable by the regulator as a debt. (7) Before imposing a penalty under sub-paragraph (6) the regulator must— (a) give the public body a notice of its intention to impose the penalty; and (b) have regard to any representations made by the public body during the period referred to in sub-paragraph (8). (8) The regulator must not give a notice under sub-paragraph (6) imposing a penalty on a public body until a period of 14 days beginning with the day after the day on which the notice under sub-paragraph (7) is given has expired. (9) A public body may appeal to the tribunal against the decision of the regulator to impose a penalty under sub-paragraph (6) provided that the appeal is made within a period of 21 days beginning with the day after the day on which the regulator gives a notice to the body imposing the penalty. (10) On an appeal the tribunal— (a) must determine whether the decision to impose the penalty was based on an error of fact, wrong in law or unreasonable, and (b) may confirm, quash or vary the decision. (11) In this paragraph “the relevant part of the public body’s notice” means so much of the public body’s notice (whether all or part of it) as relates to work that has become higher-risk building work. Effect of public body’s notice ceasing to be in force where work becomes higher-risk building work 1B. (1) This paragraph applies where a public body’s notice ceases to be in force, whether in whole or in part, by virtue of paragraph 1A. (2) If, before the day on which the relevant part of the public body’s notice ceased to be in force, a public body’s final certificate under paragraph 3 of this Schedule— (a) was given in respect of part of the work to which the relevant part of the public body’s notice relates, and (b) was accepted by the local authority, the fact that the relevant part of the public body’s notice has ceased to be in force does not affect the continuing operation of paragraph 3(3) of this Schedule in relation to that part of the work. (3) The building control authority in relation to any of the uncertified work is the regulator. (4) In sub-paragraph (3), the “uncertified work” means any of the work— (a) to which the relevant part of the public body’s notice relates, and (b) in respect of which no public body’s final certificate has been accepted by the local authority as mentioned in sub-paragraph (2). (5) Sections 91(3) (duties of the regulator) and 121A(1) (meaning of “building control authority”) apply as if, in each case, the reference to section 91ZA or 91ZB were a reference to section 91ZA, 91ZB or this paragraph. (6) In any case where this paragraph applies, the reference in subsection (4) of section 36 to the date of the completion of the work in question has effect, in relation to a notice under subsection (1) of that section, as if it were a reference to the date on which the relevant part of the public body’s notice ceased to be in force. (7) In this paragraph “the relevant part of the public body’s notice” means so much of the public body’s notice (whether all or part of it) as was cancelled by a notice under paragraph 1A of this Schedule. Appeals against cancellation of a public body’s notice by a local authority 1C. (1) Where a local authority cancels a public body’s notice, in whole or in part, by giving a notice (a “cancellation notice”) under paragraph 1A(4) of this Schedule the public body may appeal to the tribunal within 21 days of the day the notice is given under that paragraph. (2) On an appeal under sub-paragraph (1), the tribunal must determine whether the relevant part of the public body’s notice was properly cancelled. (3) In a case where the tribunal determines that the relevant part of the public body’s notice was not properly cancelled— (a) the determination does not have the effect of reinstating the relevant part of the public body’s notice; (b) paragraph 1B(2) and (6) of this Schedule continue to apply in relation to the relevant part of the public body’s notice; (c) the tribunal may give such directions as it considers appropriate in consequence of the determination (which may include giving directions to the regulator). (4) In this paragraph the “relevant part of the public body’s notice” means so much of the public body’s notice (whether all or part of it) as was subject to the cancellation notice. Public body’s plans certificates 2 (1) In this Part a “public body’s plans certificate” means a certificate by a public body that the relevant conditions are met in relation to the work specified in the certificate (which must be work in relation to which the public body has given a public body’s notice). (1A) The relevant conditions are that the public body— (a) is satisfied that— (i) a competent person has inspected full plans of the work, or (ii) a competent person has inspected plans of the work which the public body is satisfied, in the light of that inspection, are sufficient for the purposes of giving a public body’s plans certificate in relation to the work, (b) is satisfied in the light of that inspection that the plans are not defective, (c) is satisfied in the light of that inspection that work carried out in accordance with the plans would not contravene any provision of building regulations, and (d) has complied with any prescribed requirements as to consultation or otherwise. (1B) “Competent person” means a servant or agent of the public body who is competent to assess the plans. (1C) If the relevant conditions are met, the public body may give a public body’s plans certificate to the local authority. (1D) A public body’s plans certificate must be in the prescribed form. (2) Building regulations may authorise the giving of a public body’s notice combined with a public body’s plans certificate, and may prescribe a single form for such a combined notice and certificate; and where such a prescribed form is used— (a) a reference in this Schedule or in any other provision of Part II of this Act to a public body’s notice or to a public body’s plans certificate includes a reference to that form, but (b) should the form cease to be in force as a public body’s notice by virtue of paragraph 1(1) above, nothing in that paragraph affects the continuing validity of the form as a public body’s plans certificate. (3) A public body’s plans certificate— (a) may relate either to the whole or to part only of the work specified in the public body’s notice concerned, and (b) does not have effect unless it is accepted by the local authoritity to whom it is given. (4) A local authority to whom a public body’s plans certificate is given— (a) may not reject the certificate except on prescribed grounds, and (b) shall reject the certificate if any of the prescribed grounds exists. (5) Unless, within the prescribed period, the local authority to whom a public body’s plans certificate is given give notice of rejection, specifying the ground or grounds in question, to the public body by which the certificate was given, the authority are conclusively presumed to have accepted the certificate. (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (7) Building regulations may make further provision about public body’s plans certificates, including in particular provision— (a) requiring a public body’s plans certificate to be given to the local authority in prescribed cases; (b) about the consequences of failing to comply with such a requirement (for example, for a public body’s notice to cease to have effect in whole or in part); (c) requiring a public body’s plans certificate stating that the condition in sub-paragraph (1A)(a)(ii) is met to include prescribed information about the further plans that the public body considers need to be provided. Public body’s final certificates 3 (1) Where a public body is satisfied that any work specified in a public body’s notice given by it has been completed, the body may give to the local authority such certificate with respect to the completion of the work and compliance with building regulations as may be prescribed (called a “public body’s final certificate”). (2) Sub-paragraphs (3) to (5) of paragraph 2 above have effect in relation to a public body’s final certificate as if any reference in those sub-paragraphs to a public body’s plans certificate were a reference to a public body’s final certificate. (3) Where a public body’s final certificate has been given with respect to any of the work specified in a public body’s notice and that certificate has been accepted by the local authority concerned, the public body’s notice ceases to apply to that work, but the provisions of section 48(1) of this Act, as applied by section 54(4), continue, by virtue of this sub-paragraph, to apply in relation to that work as if the public body’s notice continued in force in relation to it. Effects of public body’s notice ceasing to be in force 4 (1) This paragraph applies where a public body’s notice ceases to be in force by virtue of paragraph 1 above. (2) Building regulations may provide that if— (a) a public body’s plans certificate was given before the day on which the public body’s notice ceased to be in force, and (b) that certificate was accepted by the local authority (before, on or after that day), ... (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . then, with respect to the work specified in the certificate, such of the functions of a local authority referred to in section 48(1) of this Act as may be prescribed for the purposes of this sub-paragraph either are not exercisable or are exercisable only in prescribed circumstances. (3) If, before the day on which the public body’s notice ceased to be in force, a public body’s final certificate was given in respect of part of the work specified in the notice and that certificate was accepted by the local authority (before, on or after that day), the fact that the public body’s notice has ceased to be in force does not affect the continuing operation of paragraph 3(3) above in relation to that part of the work. (4) Notwithstanding anything in sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) above, for the purpose of enabling the local authority to perform the functions referred to in section 48(1) of this Act in relation to any part of the work not specified in a public body’s plans certificate or final certificate, as the case may be, building regulations may require the local authority to be provided with plans that relate not only to that part but also to the part to which the certificate in question relates. (5) In any case where this paragraph applies, the reference in sub-section (4) of section 36 of this Act to the date of the completion of the work in question has effect, in relation to a notice under subsection (1) of that section, as if it were a reference to the date on which the public body’s notice ceased to be in force. (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (7) Any reference in the preceding provisions of this paragraph to section 48(1) of this Act is a reference to that section as applied by section 54(4) of this Act. Lapse of public body’s notice 4A (1) This paragraph applies where— (a) on any day (“the relevant day”) a public body’s notice is given in respect of any work, and (b) the public body’s notice is accepted. (2) Where the work relates to one building and is not commenced within 3 years from the end of the relevant day— (a) the public body’s notice ceases to be in force, and (b) if a public body’s plans certificate relating to the work (or any part of it) has been accepted, the relevant provisions have effect as if the certificate had not been given (or accepted). (3) Where the work relates to more than one building, and the work in relation to one or more of the buildings (“the relevant work”) is not commenced within 3 years from the end of the relevant day— (a) the public body’s notice ceases to be in force so far as it relates to the relevant work, and (b) if a public body’s plans certificate relating to the relevant work (or any part of it) has been accepted, the relevant provisions have effect as if, as regards the relevant work, the certificate had not been given (or accepted). (4) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3)(b) it does not matter whether the public body’s plans certificate also relates to work other than the relevant work. (5) In this paragraph “the relevant provisions” has the meaning given by section 32. (6) Building regulations may make provision about when work (or work relating to a building) is to be regarded as commenced for the purposes of this paragraph. Consultation 5 Building regulations may make provision for requiring, in such circumstances as may be prescribed, a public body that has given a public body’s notice to consult any prescribed person before taking any prescribed step in connection with any work specified in the notice.

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SCHEDULE 5 Transitional Provisions

Section 132. Joint application to the Secretary of State for the determination of certain questions relating to building regulations 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Clean Air Act 1956 and the Housing Act 1957 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repeal and amendment of Acts etc. 3 Any power that is exercisable by virtue of— (a) section 317 of the Public Health Act 1936, (b) section 82 of the Public Health Act 1961, (c) section 82, 83 or 84 of the London Government Act 1963, (d) section 252 or 254 of the Local Government Act 1972, or (e) section 48 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, in relation to a provision that is repealed and re-enacted by this Act is exercisable in relation to that provision as so re-enacted to the extent to which it would have been exercisable immediately before such repeal. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Without prejudice to the power to make building regulations, the repeal of section 70(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and the re-enactment in this Act of that subsection down to “Wales”, do not of themselves cause any building regulations to apply to inner London that were prevented by that subsection from so applying.

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SCHEDULE 6 Consequential Amendments

Section 133(1). The Restriction of Ribbon Development Act 1935 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Public Health Act 1936 2 In section 6(1) of the Public Health Act 1936, after the words “except section 46,” (which with other words were inserted by the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984) there is inserted “or of the Building Act 1984,”. 3 In section 269(8)(i) of that Act, for “the building byelaws of the local authority” there is substituted “building regulations”. The Atomic Energy Authority Act 1954 4 In section 5(5) of the Atomic Energy Authority Act 1954, for “Section 71 of the Public Health Act 1936” there is substituted “Section 4 of the Building Act 1984”. The Clean Air Act 1956 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Housisng Act 1957 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Radioactive Substances Act 1960 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Public Health Act 1961 8 In section 17(15) of the Public Health Act 1961 (as substituted by section 27(1) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982), for “section 39 of the Public Health Act 1936” there is substituted “section 59 of the Building Act 1984”. The London Government Act 1963 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 In paragraph 9(5) of Part II of Schedule 11 to that Act, for “section 27 of the Public Health Act 1961” there is substituted “section 79 of the Building Act 1984”. The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 11 In section 9(6) of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963, for “sections 44 to 46” there is substituted “section 45”. The Faculty Jurisdiction Measure 1964 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Fire Precautions Act 1971 13 For section 30(3)(a) and (b) of the Fire Precautions Act 1971 there is substituted— (a) section 71(1) to (4) of the Building Act 1984; (b) section 72 (except subsection (5)) of that Act;. The Local Government Act 1972 14 In section 181(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 1972, for “sections 14 to 42” there is substituted “sections 15, 17 to 24, 27, 29 to 34, 36 and 42”. The Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 15 In section 9(1)(c) of the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975, for “section 59 of the Public Health Act 1936” there is substituted “sections 24 and 71 of the Building Act 1984”. The Local Land Charges Act 1975 16 In section 1(1)(a) of the Local Land Charges Act 1975, after the words “by that Act)” (which with other words were inserted by the Highways Act 1980) there is inserted “or the Building Act 1984”. The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 17 In section 12(3) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, for the words from “Building regulations” to “alteration; and” there is substituted “Subsections (1) and (2) above have effect subject to paragraph 11(2) of Schedule 1 to the Building Act 1984; and”. The Development of Rural Wales Act 1976 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Interpretation Act 1978 19 In Schedule 1 to the Interpretation Act 1978, in the definition of “Building regulations”, for the words from “means” to the end there is substituted “has the meaning given by section 122 of the Building Act 1984”. The Highways Act 1980 20 In section 168(1)(b) of the Highways Act 1980, for “section 25 of the Public Health Act 1961” there is substituted “section 78 of the Building Act 1984”. 21 In section 223(1)(a) of that Act, for “section 66 of the Public Health Act 1936” there is substituted “section 32 of the Building Act 1984”. New Towns Act 1981 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 23 There is added at the end of section 7(4) of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984— (k) the Building Act 1984 (other than Parts III of Schedule 3).

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SCHEDULE 7 Repeals

Section 133(2). Chapter | Short title | Extent of repeal 26 Geo. 5 & 1 Edw. 8. c. 49. | Public Health Act 1936. | Section 25. Sections 37 to 41. Sections 43 and 44. Sections 46 and 47. Sections 53 to 62. Sections 64 to 67. Sections 70 and 71. Section 88. Section 90(3) and (6). Sections 137 and 138. Section 142. Section 344. 7 & 8 Geo. 6. c. 31. | Education Act 1944. | Section 63(1). 8 & 9 Geo. 6. c. 42. | Water Act 1945. | Sections 29 and 30. In Schedule 4, the seventh paragraph. . . . | . . . | . . . 2 & 3 Eliz. 2. c. 32. | Atomic Energy Authority Act 1954. | Section 5(5). 8 & 9 Eliz. 2. c. 34. | Radioactive Substances Act 1960. | In Schedule 1, in paragraph 3 the word “thirty-nine,” 9 & 10 Eliz. 2 c. 64. | Public Health Act 1961. | Sections 4 to 11. Sections 19 to 21. Sections 23 to 33. Schedule 1. 1963 c. 33. | London Government Act 1963. | In Schedule 9, in Part II paragraph 18, and in Part III paragraphs 13 to 15. In Schedule 11, in Part I, in paragraph 11 the words “, section 41 of this Act”, paragraphs 12, 21 and 34 to 36, and in Part II paragraphs 2 and 3. 1967 c. xx. | Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1967. | Section 25. 1971 c. 40. | Fire Precautions Act 1971. | Sections 13(5), 15, 30(1) and 40(7). 1972 c. 70. | Local Government Act 1972. | In Schedule 14, in paragraph 4 the words “41, 46,”, and paragraph 10. 1973 c. 37. | Water Act 1973. | Section 14(6) and (7). In Schedule 8, in paragraph 36, in sub-paragraph (1)(a) the words from “and sections” to “Middle Temple)”, sub-paragraph (1)(b), and in sub-paragraph (2) the words from “except” to the end, and paragraphs 38, 41 and 42. 1974 c. 37. | Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. | Sections 61 to 74. Section 76. Schedules 5 and 6. In Schedule 10, the items relating to the Public Health Act 1936, the Town and Country Planning Act 1947, the Atomic Energy Authority Act 1954, the Public Health Act 1961, the Airports Authority Act 1965 and the Civil Aviation Act 1971. 1974 c. 40. | Control of Pollution Act 1974. | Section 28(2). In section 61(2), the words “under Part II of the Public Health Act 1936” In Schedule 2, paragraph 10. 1975 c. 78. | Airports Authority Act 1975. | Section 19(2). 1976 c. 57. | Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. | Section 34. 1977 c. 45. | Criminal Law Act 1977. | In Schedule 6, the entries relating to offences under sections 60(1) and 59(4) of the Public Health Act 1936. 1977 c. xv. | City of London (Various Powers) Act 1977. | Section 25. 1980 c. 20. | Education Act 1980. | In sections 14(4) and 27(5), the words “section 71(a) of the Public Health Act 1936 and” 1980 c. 66. | Highways Act 1980. | Section 112(8). In section 114(4), the words from “and nothing” to the end of the subsection. 1981 c. 12. | Water Act 1981. | Section 5 . 1982 c. 16. | Civil Aviation Act 1982. | In Schedule 2, paragraph 1(1). 1982 c. 30. | Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. | Section 8(1). Sections 24 and 25. Section 28. 1984 c. 29. | Housing and Building Control Act 1984. | Sections 39 to 59. Section 60(2) (b). Section 61. In section 62(1), the definitions of “contravention” and “local authority” Section 62(2). Section 66(2). In section 66(3), the words “Except as provided by sub-section (2) above.” Schedules 8 to 10. In Schedule 11, paragraphs 4, 5 and 35. In Schedule 12, in Part II, the items relating to section 67 of the Public Health Act 1936 and section 62(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

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