Building Control Reforms – Effective 1 July 2026

The Welsh Government has introduced the biggest changes to Building Regulations in decades. Whilst Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) have additional requirements, all building work subject to Building Regulations is affected, not just high-rise buildings.

Key Changes 1. New Dutyholder Responsibilities

All projects now have statutory dutyholders with defined legal responsibilities:

Client Designer Principal Designer Contractor Principal Contractor

Each party must demonstrate competence, cooperate with others and ensure compliance throughout the project.

  1. Competence Becomes a Legal Requirement

Companies must now be able to demonstrate:

Skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours Quality management systems Training and CPD Relevant project experience Appropriate supervision and management

Competence is expected to be evidenced rather than assumed.

  1. New Building Control Approval Process

The previous "deposit of plans" system has been replaced by a more comprehensive approval process.

For Higher-Risk Buildings:

Approval must be obtained before work starts. Applications require much more detailed information. For a valid application, the building control authority must decide within 12 weeks for new HRB work, or within 8 weeks for work to an existing HRB, unless a longer period is agreed in writing. 4. Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs)

For design and construction, an HRB is generally:

18m or more (or 7 storeys+) Contains residential accommodation, hospitals, care homes or children's homes.

These projects introduce:

Gateway approvals Golden Thread information Formal change control Mandatory occurrence reporting Completion certification 5. Better Record Keeping

There is a much greater emphasis on:

Product information Commissioning records Inspection and testing Fire stopping records O&M manuals Digital asset information Handover documentation

This information forms part of the "Golden Thread" for building safety.

  1. Stronger Enforcement

Local authorities now have stronger powers, including:

Compliance Notices Stop Notices Prosecution

Being able to demonstrate compliance through documented evidence is now more important than ever.

  1. Transitional Arrangements

The new rules do not apply to building work that started before 1 July 2026, or where plans were deposited or a building notice was given before that date. That protection falls away if deposited plans are rejected on or after 1 July 2026, and deposited plans can still lapse under the existing three-year rule if work has not started.