Amidst the buzzing atmosphere of the Offsite Show, Jayne Hall C.BuildE FCABE took to the stage on Thursday 4th May, as part of UK Construction Week. With the ever-evolving legislative landscape demanding constant vigilance, Jayne gave a quick tour of the sector’s progress, providing an insightful glimpse into the ongoing developments that have shaped its trajectory:
- 2016 the UK commissioned an independent review into the impact of construction industry labour models, skills pressures and other constraints on housebuilding and infrastructure development – The Farmer Review (AKA Modernise or Die!)
- 2017 housing white paper Fixing our broken housing market and launch of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) cross-industry working group
- 2018 Construction Sector Deal set out an ambitious partnership between government and industry that aims to transform the sector’s productivity through innovative technologies and a more highly skilled workforce.
- 2021 National Design Guidance was introduced into the National Planning Policy Framework with the aim of improving design standards, energy efficiency and sustainability.
- Presently the first of the major housing schemes are being rolled out across the country under the Homes England £7.39bn funding initiative to deliver 130,000 affordable homes outside London by March 2026.
Jayne took the opportunity to address the audience on the subject of the latest regulatory changes:
- Building Regulations Parts FLO
- Building Safety Act
- Building Safety Regulator
- Registration of HRRBs
- Registration of Building Control Bodies
- Registration of Building Control Inspectors
and moved onto under changes under Approved Documents F, L and O
- Ventilation, Conservation of Energy & Overheating
- The updated regulations came into effect on15 June 2022
- Stepping stone to ease the journey for industry compliance with Future Homes Standards 2025 and zero carbon homes
- Transitional arrangements cease on 15 June 2023
- Any project not commenced must comply with the new standards, even if plans are approved under the old ones.
- This will likely impact on compliance of off-site components.
- Project managers need to be aware of key cut-off date.
The event was a testament to the power of sharing expertise, igniting a passion for innovation and ensuring that industry professionals remain at the forefront of progress.
More detailed guidance on Approved Documents FLOS
