BSR to undertake 'fundamental review' of guidance for Building Regulations

The Building Safety Regulator is to undertake a fundamental review of how building regulations guidance is produced, updated, and communicated to the construction industry.

Earlier this month (2 December), during the House of Commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report, The Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced the review of guidance related to the building regulations, specifically the Approved Documents (ADs).

Approved Documents provide essential guidance to builders, architects, and construction professionals on meeting the functional requirements of building regulations in typical scenarios. Yet despite their importance, ADs have been criticised for being overly complex and difficult to navigate. The BSR’s review aims to make this guidance simpler, more user-friendly, and more effective, ultimately improving compliance, safety, and construction quality.

The need for reform has been highlighted in two major reports. Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 Review described the ADs as "complex, ambiguous, and not user-friendly", recommending simplification and digitisation.

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report reinforced these findings, emphasising the importance of regular updates to ensure the guidance remains clear and relevant. In April 2023, responsibility for maintaining and updating ADs was transferred to the BSR, which has committed to addressing these longstanding issues as part of its 2023–2026 Strategic Plan.

The review will address several priorities:

• simplifying the guidance to make it easier to understand and apply
• introducing regular updates to reflect advancements in technology and practices
• ensuring accessibility, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The ultimate goal is to produce clear, practical, and accurate guidance that supports safer, higher-quality buildings and builds confidence in the building safety system, the government said.

The BSR will lead the review with support from experts in architecture, building control, housebuilding, and digital technologies. Feedback from residents, industry professionals, and government departments will also be incorporated to ensure a wide range of perspectives are considered.

In early 2025, the BSR will form a review panel, finalise its terms of reference, and appoint a Chair and panel members to guide the process. Building Engineer will report on further details as they are announced in due course.