The Building Regulations comprise both procedural and technical provisions. While some types of building work are fully exempt from the regulations, others are exempt only from specific requirements.
Even where work is exempt from the Building Regulations, planning permission may still be required. Please note that Building Control is unable to advise on planning matters, as planning is a separate service. For advice on whether planning permission is required, please refer to the Planning service website.
Technical Exemptions – how they are assessed
- Parts A to K and M to Q – Exemptions are determined against the seven classes of exemption set out in Schedule 2 of the Building Regulations.
- Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) – Exemptions are assessed against the criteria set out in Regulation 21 of the Building Regulations.
Schedule 2 Exemptions – Classes 1 to 7
| Class of Building or Work | Parts A–K, M, N & Q | Part L | Part P |
| Class 1 – Buildings controlled under other legislation | Exempt | Part L may apply | Exempt |
| Class 2 – Buildings not frequented by people | Exempt | Part L may apply | Exempt |
| Class 3 – Greenhouses | Exempt | Part L may apply | Not exempt |
| Class 3 – Agricultural buildings | Exempt | Part L may apply | Exempt |
| Class 4 – Temporary buildings | Exempt | Part L may apply | Exempt |
| Class 5 – Ancillary buildings | Exempt | Part L may apply | Exempt |
| Class 6 – Small detached buildings | Exempt | Part L may apply | Not exempt |
| Class 7 – Extensions | Exempt | Exempt | Not exempt |
Part L Exemptions – conservation of fuel and power
This section provides a general overview only and should be made to the Regulation 9 and appropriate advice sought if necessary.
Regulation 21 of the Building Regulations 2010 sets out the exemption criteria relating to Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power).
When Part L generally applies:
- The building is a roofed construction having walls;
- The building uses energy to condition the indoor climate.
Buildings exempt from Part L include:
- Certain listed buildings, buildings within conservation areas, or scheduled monuments where compliance would unacceptably alter character or appearance;
- Buildings used primarily or solely as places of worship;
- Temporary buildings with a planned time of use of two years or less and low energy demand;
- Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand;
- Stand-alone non-domestic buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50 m².
The meanings of certain terms used above are defined within the Building Regulations. You should refer to the legislation directly or seek professional advice before commencing work.
Building Control contact information
- 01908 252721 (Office Hours Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:15) and 01908 226699 (out of hours)
Civic, 1 Saxon Gate East, Milton Keynes MK9 3EJ