§ Lord Howie of Troonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will place a limit on the compartment size for single storey warehouse, distribution or storage premises within the Building Regulations and Approved Document B in the interests of the fire service and firefighters. [HL4393]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThere are currently no plans to change either Part B of the Building Regulations or the approved documents that support this part so as to limit the compartment size in single storey warehouse, distribution and storage premises.
However, we are continuing to keep this issue under review. As with any new guidance within an approved document, any decision in the future with regard to single storey premises of this type would need to take account of a range of views, expert advice and of course a full regulatory impact assessment.
§ Lord Howie of Troonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the guidance on the use of sandwich panels contained in the 2000 edition of Approved Document B is mandatory; and what powers are provided to building control authorities and approved inspectors to control the selection and use of such panels. [HL4394]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonNone of the guidance contained within Approved Document B is mandatory. There is no obligation to adopt any particular solution contained in an approved document if the person carrying out the work prefers to meet the relevant requirement in some other way. Approved documents are intended to provide guidance on ways of meeting the requirements of the Building Regulations for some of the more common building situations. It is for the Building Control Body, on a case-by-case basis, to satisfy itself that the requirements of the Building Regulations have been met. In relation to sandwich panels, its considerations in such matters can be assisted by referring to the relevant guidance contained within Appendix F of Approved Document B, along with any other suitable sources of information. The powers of enforcement of the Building Regulations are set out in various sections of the Building Act 1984. Sections 35 and 36 provide the main powers for enforcement by a local authority and paragraph 52(1)(c) stipulates the course of action to be taken by an approved inspector who is of the opinion that there is a contravention of a provision of the Building Regulations.