Leicester Gets a New Speedway Stadium

The UK's first bespoke Speedway stadium for over 20 years opened it's doors last month to a capacity crowd of 4,500. The £1.2m Scheme, which we acted as Building Control Approved Inspectors becomes the home of the Leicester Lions. Local Architect and Managing Director of Leicester Speedway, David Helmsley was on hand to enthuse his passion for this, his personal project.

The opening of the speedway stadium completes the first stage of the £4.5m Beaumont Sports Complex which will see the development of a new community sports and education centre along with 12 five-a-side football pitches, a BMX track and a cycling velodrome.

Stuart Power and Ali Neishaboori worked closely with David throughout the design and development of the stadium to deliver a comprehensive and cost effective Building Regulation compliant development.

Salus Approved Inspectors wishes Leicester Lions the best of luck for the coming Speedway season, perhaps the NKOTB will give their local rivals a run for their money.

Welsh Sprinklers gets the Nod!

7th April 2011 at the Court of Windsor Castle, Her Majesty in Council approved the measure of the National Assembly of Wales proposals for Domestic Fire Safety (Wales) 2011

Wales comes closer to compulsory residential sprinklers -

Last month the Welsh Assembly voted unanimously to introduce residential sprinklers into New housing in Wales, it awaits Royal Approval, from the privy council on 7th April for it's ultimate implementation. Upon this all new or conversions into houses, flats, care homes, houses in multiple occupation, etc, will expect this provision. The actual implementation method has yet to be clarified, since Building Regulations are currently applicable to both England and Wales. Perhaps the implementation may be through some form of Local Enactment..watch this space!

Building Regulations take a rest!

Looking a the CLG's plans following the publication of the 'Future of Building Control' it looks likely there will not be any changes in 2011, possibly not even 2012. The likely changes for 2013 are Part A (structure) following the Eurocode publications and Part C (site preparation resistance to contamination and moisture) from ongoing health risk concerns from Radon Gas. It seems likely we will lose Part D as the offending insulant is not used in cavity walls. Part L and F are part of the 3 yearly cycle to meet the Energy and Climate change Acts. Other areas likely to be consulted upon are Part K (stairways, etc,) Part M (access to dwellings), Part N (glazing)and the effectiveness of Part P (electrical safety)in ways to reduce regulations by competent persons.
We promote our ethos of 'Compliance without Complexity' and welcome comments for discussion.

DCLG Clarifies Part L transitional provisions

Building Control Bodies have now received definitive guidance from DCLG regarding the meaning of commencement of work relating to the transitional provisions for the changes to parts F, J and L.
DCLG advised that commencement of work will be as described in the circular letter issued in relation to recent changes to Part G. This means that any application deposited before 1 October 2010, providing at least one 'dwelling' is commenced before 1 October 2011, then ALL dwellings included in that application can be constructed in accordance with current Building Regulation and in particular Part L 2006, and will not be subjected to the revised requirements to be introduced on 1 October 2010.
The inference is therefore ANY works, be it Domestic or Commercial which have commenced before 1 October 2011 the 2006 provisions apply.
This has to be considered in context to what the Governments objectives are (or were) relating to changing Part L every three years! Theoretically some units could still be under construction using 2006 version when the 2013 version come into effect! Any comment?

BBC Follies celebrated in series

BBC East Midlands Today presenter Dominic Heale toured Riber Castle in Derbyshire, which is being turned into luxury flats. This prestigious Approved Inspector commission requires an open minded approach to many aspects of the Building Regulations, in order to balance Building Control Compliance and conservation control. The programme was aired as part of the BBC series celebrating follies.

Building Control Performance Indicators

Quite rightly we should be all measured so that clients have an informed choice on their Building Control Provider, so here are our stats.

1. Added Value to the finished product - 93%
2. Being helpful and responsive to your needs - 99%
3. Applying the Building Regulations professionally - 99%
4. The overall service - 99%
5. How satisfied with initial response from Administration - 97%
6. How satisfied with timeliness of technical staff - 97%
7. How satisfied with service in specialised areas - 94%
8. How satisfied received good value for money - 84% - Unfortunately too many competitors are very cheap!
9. Satisfied quality of service is a high standard - 96%
10. Would you recommend..as your preferred choice - 97%