The Department of Infrastructure is seeking the public’s views on proposals to change the Building Regulations.
 
The proposals follow a comprehensive review of Building Regulations on the Island, and those in other parts of the British Isles. The draft proposed changes to the Building Regulations will deal with all aspects of energy efficiency and performance of our buildings, ventilation, combustion appliances and fuel storage systems, hot water safety and water efficiency and crime detection and prevention.
 
A consultation launched by the Department this week is calling on stakeholders and other interested parties to make submissions regarding the proposed changes by 12th August 2013.
 
Mr. Laurence Skelly MHK, Political Member with responsibility for Planning and Building Control, explained: ‘We’re mindful of the current economic climate, and we do not propose following prescriptively the regulations that apply in other jurisdictions. Instead, we want to take a considered and measured approach in determining a level of regulations that are both appropriate and reasonable, but bearing in mind the need to raise the standards of workmanship, thermal efficiency of our buildings and overall service delivery to Isle of Man residents.’
 
Minister for Infrastructure David Cretney MHK said: ‘Review of these areas is just one of a number of proposed changes to the Building Regulations and associated legislation. The overall aim of these changes is to improve efficiency and standards of our buildings. We would like to encourage building owners to improve the energy efficiency and maintenance of their properties, allowing informed choices to be made on types of buildings we would like to live and work in. We need the full participation of all interested parties on this important issue so that we can establish the right balance between the long term needs of our community and best affordable standards and practice for the future to reduce our reliance on imported fuel and high cost of energy to our residents and businesses.’
 
The consultation will close at 5.00pm on 12th August 2013, and an electronic version of the consultation, including a questionnaire and response form can be found at http://www.gov.im/Consultations.gov>

Submissions, clearly marked ‘Draft Building Regulations 2013 Consultation’ should be sent to the Department of Infrastructure, Building Control Manager, Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas, IM1 2SF or via email to Siamack.Rowaichi@gov.im