Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000/2532).

Regulation 12A of the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2000, contains a requirement for sound insulation testing. That regulation comes into force, as regards new houses and buildings containing flats, on 1st July 2004 (see S.I.2002/2872 amended by S.I.2003/3133). These Regulations, coming into force on the same day, introduce a provision into the Regulations so that the requirement for testing does not apply where the person carrying out the building work notifies the approved inspector in accordance with the Regulations that one or more of the design details published by Robust Details Limited and specified in the notification has been adopted.

The design details referred to in these Regulations can be obtained from Robust Details Limited, P.O. Box 7289, Milton Keynes, MK14 6ZQ (Tel: 0870 240 8210; Fax: 0870 240 8203; Email: [email protected]).

The Secretary of State has approved, under section 6(4) of the Building Act 1984, amendments to the approved document containing practical guidance with respect to the requirements contained in regulation 12A (sound insulation testing) and Part E. “Amendments 2004 to Approved Document E- Resistance to the passage of sound” (ISBN 0-11-753915-5, £6.50) will be published by The Stationery Office Limited.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared in relation to the Building (Amendment) Regulations 2004 and these Regulations. A copy may be obtained from Buildings Division, ODPM, 18/B Portland House, Stag Place, London SW1E 5LP (Tel: 020 7944 5755; Fax 020 7944 5739; Email: [email protected]).