The Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (Wales) Regulations 2025

Works on new and existing higher-risk buildings (HRBs)* from 1st July 2026 require building control approval from the building control authority** before the start of building work***, unless exempt as per Schedule 2 (such as the installation of lighting for areas less than 100 square metres and the replacement of sanitation facilities). 

These Regulations also define the requirements for change control**** and the golden thread***** of information for HRBs, as well as the process and procedures to gain completion certificates. 

* Higher-risk buildings are those with a height of 18 metres or 7 storeys and containing:

• at least one residential unit;
• a hospital;
• a care home; or
• a children’s home.

**The building control authority for higher risk buildings in Wales is the local authority for the area in which the higher-risk building is located.

*** Building work is defined under The Building Regulations 2010 and includes:

• erection or extension of a building;
• material alteration of a building;
• change of use of a building as defined in regulation 6;
• cavity wall insulation;
• work involving the underpinning of a building; and
• any works related to energy status, thermal elements and energy performance. 

**** Change control is required for construction works relating to HRBs to ensure the design and construction of the building remain compliant when altered.

***** The golden thread is key building information throughout its life-cycle. Its content must be proportionate and specific to the building’s design and stage of its life.