Updates to Welsh Building Regulations
- andrewmcghee6
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
The Welsh Government has issued significant updates to the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended) and to Approved Document B (Fire Safety, Volumes 1 and 2). A new edition of Approved Document 7 (Materials and Workmanship) 2013 has also been released, now incorporating the 2020 and 2025 amendments.
Key Regulatory Amendments
The circular letter confirms that amendments affect:
Regulation 2(6) – Interpretation
Regulation 6 – Requirements relating to material change of use
Regulation 7 – Materials and workmanship
The principal changes include:
Reducing the height threshold for buildings undergoing a “material change of use” from 15m to 11m. Work must ensure compliance with Part B4(1) of Schedule 1, covering external wall requirements.
Updating the definition of a “relevant building.” This prohibits combustible materials on external walls of hostels, hotels, and boarding houses.
Introducing a ban on relevant metal composite materials as part of external walls.
Clarifying product classifications, including the designation of solar shading devices as “specified attachments.”
Materials and Fire Safety Provisions
The amendments provide further detail on products subject to fire performance requirements:
Certain materials are now exempt from reaction-to-fire classification, including fibre optic cables, insulation, waterproofing in specific low-level applications, and the top horizontal floor layer of balconies. In the latter case, compliance may be demonstrated through horizontally tested equivalents under defined circumstances.
Changes to Volumes 1 and 2 of Approved Document B introduce new requirements for residential and high-rise buildings:
Limits on combustible products in residential buildings between 11m and 18m in height.
Mandatory installation of evacuation alert systems.
Requirement for secure Information Boxes in all new blocks of flats with any floor 11m or higher.
Enhanced floor identification and wayfinding signage for residents and emergency services.
The current edition of Approved Document 7 (Materials and Workmanship) with 2020 amendments will be withdrawn on 20 December 2025. An updated version, incorporating the 2020 and 2025 amendments, will take its place.
The revised regulations and updated Approved Documents will not apply retrospectively. Where a building notice, initial notice, or full plans have been submitted before the amendments take effect, compliance with the previous standards remains valid—provided work has already commenced or begins within six months of the regulations coming into force.
You can read the full details and the issued circular here.
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