Environment \ The Building Control Service \ New Regulations For 2008

Minister Hain's statement on New Regulations for the Environment 2008

We have contacted the Department responsible for the Building Regulations and they have informed us that proposals in line with the Secretary of State's statement to require microgeneration in all new build from April 2008 will be drafted into a consultation document to be released next year.

As with the introduction of all new building regulations the industry along with other interested parties will be able to comment on the proposals at that time. All comments are taken into account in the consultation process. Additionally the regulations will also go to the Northern Ireland Building Regulations Advisory Committee which is representative of sectors of the industry.

INFORMATION FOR SURVEYORS

Building Regulations and the Installation of Equipment for Alternative or Renewable Energy Sources

The following information and guidance relates to any installation work being carried out in connection with Energy Conservation measures to existing domestic or non-domestic properties.

It covers the installation of:

· Photovoltaics
· Solar Panels
· Wind Turbine
· Small Hydro
· Groundwater/Heat Pumps
· Air Source Heat Pump
· Pellet Stoves Room Heating
· Wood Fuelled Boiler System

Photovoltaics

An application is required for the structural work (eg strengthening roof etc) in connection with the installation of a panel. The fee is therefore based solely on the cost of the structural work. The cost of the panel is not included.

Solar Panels

An application is required for the structural work (eg strengthening roof etc) in connection with the installation of a panel. It is also required for any thermal controls, radiators, vessels (including insulation) and associated pipe work (including insulation) in connection with any heating. The cost of application is based on the costs of the applicable work only. The cost of the panel is not included.

Wind Turbine

An application is not required for the erection of a independent wind turbine. It is not, in itself a building as defined by the Regulations. If a building is erected in connection with it, see Exempted Building Schedule for application/exemption. Where the turbine is connected to the building an application is required for the structural work (eg strengthening roof etc) in connection with the installation of the turbine.

Small Hydro

An application is not required for the erection of a small hydro. It is not, in itself a building as defined by the Regulations. If a building is erected in connection with it, see Exempted Building Schedule for application/exemption.

Groundwater/Heat Pumps

An application is not required for the external underground heat generating pipe work. We do not inspect the underground pipe work. It is required for the thermal controls, radiators, vessels (including insulation) and associated pipe work (including insulation) in connection with the heating. The cost of application is based on the costs of the applicable work only.

Air Source Heat Pump

An application is not required for the air source heat pump as we do not inspect the equpiment. It is required for the thermal controls, radiators, vessels (including insulation) and associated pipe work (including insulation) in connection with the heating. The cost of application is based on the costs of the applicable work only.

Pellet Stoves Room Heating

An application is required for Pellet Room Stoves. We control the installation of the stove, flues/chimneys, ventilation to rooms. It is also required for any thermal controls, radiators, vessels (including insulation) and associated pipe work (including insulation) in connection with the heating.

As Belfast is a Smoke Control Area, contact Environmental Health Pollution Control to ensure you install the right model.

Wood Fuelled Boiler System

An application is made for these items. We control the installation of the stove, flues/chimneys, ventilation to rooms. It is also required for any thermal controls, radiators, vessels (including insulation) and associated pipe work (including insulation) in connection with the heating.

As Belfast is a Smoke Control Area, contact Environmental Health Pollution Control to ensure you install the right model.

Making an Application

The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 require an application to be made whenever any structural alterations are made to a property and whenever alterations are being made to an existing heating system and includes linking-up with other heating sources.

Work relating to domestic properties may be made using either a Building Notice or Full Plans Application (Guidance Note No. 2)

Work relating to non-domestic properties must always be made using a Full Plans Application (Guidance Note No. 2)

Fees

Our fees are calculated based on the cost of the works which relate only to the Building Regulations i.e. structural alterations/strengthening or alterations and up-grading of the heating system, thermal insulation and controls. We do not require fees to be paid on the cost for the equipment itself.

Grants

Dealt with by the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund Household Programme

For further information on these:

Telephone: 0800 0234077

Website: www:actionrenewable.org/fundingeref.htm

Planning Permission

Phone applicable office. Belfast 028 9025 2800