eNewsletter from Angus Council Building Standards Team - October 2024

Angus Council sent this bulletin at 04-10-2024 11:06 AM BST

Welcome to our October 2024 Newsletter

In this issue, we bring you the latest updates, regulatory changes, and project highlights within the world of Scottish Building Standards. Whether you're a building professional, Architect, Engineer, or simply interested in the built environment, our goal is to keep you informed on the most important developments in the sector.

Save the Date

In this digital age it's difficult to find a reason to meet up. We are proposing a customer engagement drop in event based at Angus House, Forfar. The purpose of the event is simply to make ourselves available to meet with our customers in person, perhaps get some advice on how to use the Scottish Governments online portal or maybe you would just like to talk to someone about some proposals you are thinking about in the future. Whether you are a first-time customer, a well-known local architectural agent, a developer or a new business planning building developments or conversions we would love to see you.

We are hoping to have our Economic Development Colleagues available also should you have any questions with regards skills and employability or even hear more about the Small to Medium Enterprise Start and Grow Business Grant Scheme .

If you would like to attend the event we will be in the Training Suite of Angus House between 10am and 4pm on Friday 25th October…..drop by for a cup of tea and a biscuit, it's good to talk.

It's Getting Hot In Here!

The Scottish government has temporarily removed restrictions on the installation of wood burning stoves in newbuild homes and conversions.

Regulations known as the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) came into force on the 1st April 2024. The regulations dictated that new homes and buildings were prohibited from using direct-emission heating systems including gas or oil boilers and included by definition, wood burning stoves.

This was initially intended to reduce air pollution and tackle climate change encouraging installation of clean heating systems such as heat pumps or heat networks.

A ministerial direction was issued following the concerns on the 19th September 2024 meaning that wood burners and other biofuel heating systems including peat can still be installed pending the outcome of the review. This Direction applies to any building warrant applications for new domestic building made after 1 April 2024 where standard 6.11 applies and which are yet to be decided. For applications for building warrants which were submitted after 1 April 2024 where a building warrant was issued, any application to amend that building warrant in respect of a bioenergy or peat heating system may be made and refer to this Direction.

For more information on how this Direction may affect any new, pending consideration or approved applications applied for after 1st April 2024 please refer to the guidance attached in the direction letter which can be found HERE

This Direction is temporary and will be revoked once the outcome of the current review is implemented via an amendment to building regulations.

Construction Compliance Notification Plan

Building Standards issue a bespoke Construction Compliance Notification Plan (CCNP) for every building warrant approval. This plan details the stages we must be notified during your project to allow us to carry out an inspection.

If we are not notified of stages we will likely require destructive investigations to ensure we have carried out reasonable enquiry and ascertaining what is built is as per the approved plans. It is likely that there will be more robust measures implemented through Scottish Government in the future to improve compliance which will likely result in more mandatory inspections. It is always the relevant person/owners responsibility to ensure any works completed on site comply with the building regulations.

It may be possible to agree evidence of stages through alternative evidence such as photos or remote inspections (via MSTeams) but this will only be possible if agreed with the designated area Officer or Technician in advance. Photos will not be accepted as evidence retrospectively….so please contact us to discuss the stages of your build if you are unsure. We are always here to help if you are unsure of your CCNP requirements and always willing to carry out inspections out with the CCNP.

Scottish Building Standards Hub

Scotland's construction industry has undergone a transformative change with the recent launch of the new Scottish Building Standards Hub.

This centralized facility aims to streamline compliance with building regulations, enhance safety, and promote sustainable practices across the country.

The hub is part of the Scottish Government's commitment to modernise and simplify the process of meeting building standards. It will serve as a one-stop-shop for professionals in construction, architecture, engineering, and building control to access guidance, training, and resources, all aimed at ensuring projects meet the latest regulatory requirements.

Key Features of the Hub:

Centralized Resources: The hub will provide up-to-date information on building standards and offer digital tools to assist builders in complying with complex regulatory frameworks.
Training and Development: To address skills gaps, the hub will offer training modules for industry professionals, focusing on new technologies, sustainability measures, and emerging best practices.
Sustainability Focus: With Scotland aiming to reach net-zero emissions by 2045, the hub will play a pivotal role in promoting eco-friendly construction methods. It will also help developers incorporate green technologies, such as heat pumps and solar panels, into their designs more easily.
Improved Compliance Support: The new system will include more comprehensive support for understanding and navigating the country’s evolving building standards. This includes digital submissions, faster responses, and improved guidance for those working on complex projects.

Industry Benefits

For the construction sector, the hub’s launch will mean less administrative burden, reducing delays in projects caused by misunderstandings or delays in gaining approvals. Builders, architects, and local authorities alike are expected to benefit from a clearer, more efficient regulatory process, helping projects stay on track while upholding safety and environmental standards.

Looking Forward

As the construction landscape evolves, especially with the growing importance of sustainability, the Scottish Building Standards Hub is positioned to play a crucial role. It offers a brighter future for Scotland’s infrastructure, helping the country meet both its housing demands and climate goals in the coming years.

For more information or to explore the hub’s resources, visit www.sbsh.scot

Enhancing Digital Applications

When submitting drawings through the eBuildingStandards.scot online portal please ensure they have been flattened, optimised and no larger than 5MB prior to being uploaded individually. Following these steps greatly assists our Processing Team.

If you can, please fill in our survey.

It is only with our customers insights can we target improvements in line with what you really want.

You can fill it in HERE

Thank you for reading this edition of Angus Council's Building Standards Newsletter. For more information, resources and support, visit our website or contact our team directly.

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