A Brief History of Why We Need Building Control

The Great Fire of London in 1666 was the single most significant event which has shaped legislation of today. The rapid growth of the fire through timber buildings built next to each other highlighted the need to consider the possible spread of fire between properties when the rebuilding work was done. So the first building construction legislation was therefore born in 1667 requiring buildings to have some form of fire resistance.

Two hundred years on, the Industrial Revolution had meant poor living and working conditions in ever expanding, densely populated urban areas. Outbreaks of Cholera and other serious diseases, through poor sanitation, damp conditions and lack of ventilation forced the Government to take action. Building Control took on the greater role of Health and Safety through the first Public Health Act in 1875. This Act had two major revisions in 1936 and 1961, leading to the the first set of national building standards, The Building Regulations 1965.

Today's standards, Building Regulations 2000 which came into operation in January 2001. These are made under The Building Act 1984.

The Regulations are constantly reviewed to meet the growing demand for better, safer and more accessible buildings. Any changes necessary are brought into operation after consultation with all interested parties.

There have been several amendments since 2001, the emphasis in more recent years being on

• increases in thermal insulation to conserve energy and reduce global warming.
• continuous improvements in providing access and facilities for disabled people.
• a more comprehensive, one stop approach to fire safety requirements
• control of electrical work in dwellings
• increases in sound insulation within dwellings and other residential premises