Building Legislation
The Building Act 1984 & The Building Regulations 2010
The Building Regulations 2010 are the minimum standards set by central government for construction work. The main purpose of the Regulations are to safeguard the health and safety of people in or about buildings. They also cover conservation of fuel and power and the provision of access and facilities for disabled people.
The Building Act 1667 was the first piece of legislation addressing the dangers imposed by the built environment. The Act was implemented as a result of The Great Fire of London. Today, The Building Act 1984 deals with all aspects relating to the built environment.
The Building Regulations 2010 is the secondary piece of legislation under The Building Act 1984, which regulates the construction of and alterations to buildings which people regularly enter or are frequently around. The Building Regulations 2000 are split into Parts A to P, each Part dealing with a different aspect of building work.
Approved Documents
There is an Approved Document for each Part of the Building Regulations 2010. An Approved Document provides guidance and examples, approved by Central Government, on how to comply with the Building Regulations 2000.
You can access The Building Act 1984, The Building Regulations 2010 or the Approved Documents via the Planning Portal. 
The Department of Communities and Local Government also produce a Building Regulation Explanatory Booklet which you may find useful.
Building Regulations Explanatory Booklet (1.16MB) 
Administration of the Building Regulations 2010
Building Control forms part of the Planning, Housing & Enterprise directorate within North Hertfordshire District Council. A highly qualified team of surveyors, supported by a technically trained administration team, will examine your plans and carry out site inspections of work in progress. Their extensive knowledge of materials, construction methods and local conditions, is available to you at all stages of the construction process.
