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The previous "deposit of plans" system has been replaced by a more comprehensive approval process.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. New HRBs have up to a 12-week approval period. Existing HRB works have up to 8 weeks. 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

Projects already underway before 1 July 2026 may remain under the previous regulations if transitional criteria are met, although this protection can be lost if projects do not legally commence within the required timescales.