A Brief History of Building Regulations
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 adjacent to each other
highlighted the need to take into account the possible spread of
fire between properties when the rebuilding work was
undertaken.
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 led to 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 therefore took on the greater role of Health
and Safety through the first Public Health Act in 1875. This Act
underwent two major revisions in 1936 and 1961, leading to the
introduction of the first set of national building standards, The
Building Regulations 1965.
Today's regulations are made under The Building Act 1984. The
Regulations are constantly reviewed in line with the growing demand
for better, safer buildings and any changes thought necessary are
brought into operation after consultation with all interested
parties.
This has led to several amendments since 1992, the emphasis in
more recent years being on:
- Increases in thermal insulation requirements to conserve energy
and reduce global warming;
- Continuous improvements in the provision of access and
facilities for people with disabilities; and
- a more comprehensive, one stop approach to fire safety
requirements.
Constant changes and rising standards demand that Building
Control officers be up to date with current thinking, requirements
and procedures. To enable this to be achieved a staff training
strategy is in place which ensures continuing professional
development (CPD) training is provided and undertaken.