This article reviews the new consultation on Part L released by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG). The consultation is entirely separate from (and should not be confused with) the more comprehensive technical review of part L, which is being undertaken in advance of changes to the Building Regulations that the DCLG has already signalled that it intends to make in 2010. It is expected that separate formal consultation will take place in early 2009 on the proposals which emerge from the technical review which is currently being undertaken. The aim of this particular consultation is to seek views on the proposed new editions of the Approved Document L. These proposed 2008 editions would replace those which came into effect in 2006. The consultation comprises 3 parts & covers: The ways in which DCLG proposes to amend the Approved Documents in light of legislative changes made to the Building Regulations 2000 & the Building (Approved Inspectors) Regulations 2000; The references in the Approved Document L to BR 443 "Conventions for U-value Calculations" as a document which describes ways of establishing thermal performance of building elements; and, proposed improvements to the style of the Approved Documents L to make them more understandable and useful to a wider audience.
