Is Building Regulations Approval Required for New Air Conditioning?

The UK Planning System is generally administered by local government and provides guidance, plans and strategies to control what and where new development takes place.

As part of this, the Building Regulations are a set of nationally enforced minimum standards which control the quality and performance of all elements of new construction. The Building Regulations are comprehensive, covering a broad range of issues such as thermal insulation, electrical and gas safety and structural integrity.

Enforcement is by Local Authority Building Control Departments whose inspectors visit sites to ensure the building regulations are being adhered to and provide formal approval when satisfied that the required standards have been met.

Refurbishment of existing property is often exempt from Building Regulations and currently Building Regulation approval is not required for the installation of air conditioning into an existing property. Note, however, that any associated electrical installation must comply with electrical safety standards and Planning Permission is often required for the installation of air conditioning equipment. Typically, planning permission applications relate to alterations or extensions to existing premises, building new premises or the change of use of premises. If the property involved is rented, Landlord’s Consent is also generally required before any alterations or additions (including the installation or replacement of air conditioning) are undertaken.

Due to the wide variety of specific circumstances, the best advice is always to discuss your proposals with the relevant Building Control Department or Local Planning Authority before starting work.

For more information on Building Regulations, Planning Permission and Landlords’ Consents please contact Andrews Air Conditioning on 0800 731 8833.