Senior industry figures have welcomed the decision to simplify Building Regulations into a single statutory instrument.

The Building Regulations 2010 have replaced several amending rules over the past few years and do not impose any new requirements on its current members.


As a result of the impending changes, the National Association of Professional Inspectors & Testers (NAPIT) will be able to extend its scope to cover new areas: electrical lighting and heating in non-dwellings; supply of "wholesome and unwholesome water"; and microgeneration and renewable energy.


Its current portfolio includes air conditioning and ventilation; solid fuel heating; and oil-fired heating.


NAPIT's managing director of the standards division, David Cowburn, said: "The plan to start bringing Microgeneration Certification Schemes (MCS) and Competent Person Schemes together moves forward with these new regulations since NAPIT's MCS members will be able to notify the installation of the MCS-approved equipment without referring to Building Control."