This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New Building Standards Agency
01/11/2004
A new agency charged with introducing new building
regulations to ensure all buildings meet safety and
environmental standards was formally launched today.
Simpler standards for new buildings, extensions and
conversions of existing property are due to come into force
next May, supported by comprehensive guidance on how to
comply.
The new procedures are intended to cut red tape for
people who want to make physical alterations to houses
because fewer building warrants will be required.
Deputy Communities Minister Johann Lamont said:
"We've reformed current standards to reflect changes in
construction methods and these come into force next
May.
"The new Agency and its new flexible approach to
regulation will cut bureaucracy, whilst encouraging
innovation, clarity and safety.
"We've been keen to ensure that the construction
industry has had enough time to adapt to, and learn about,
the new standards before we introduce new regulations.
"Reform of the system would not have been possible
without the full involvement of the construction industry
and it's vital that these strong links continue.
"The support of councils is also essential and each will
continue to be responsible for verifying new building work
in their own area.
"As a next step, I expect revised regulation in relation
to access for disabled people and on energy efficiency
measures to be high on the list of the Agency's
priorities."
Paul Stollard, Chief Executive of Scottish Building
Standards Agency (SBSA), said: "Our task is to work with
the construction industry to ensure future buildings in
Scotland are warm, dry, safe, easy to use and sustainable
for the future."
Other changes to the current system mean:
- More freedom for architects and developers to use
innovative designs, subject to health and safety
standards
- Use of approved certifiers of approved certifiers
of design and construction, overseen by the SBSA, to
speed up applications
- The introduction of sprinkler systems in high risk
types of new and converted buildings
The
SBSA will be based in Livingston and will move into new
premises early next year.
The Agency is expected to expand from the current 17
members of staff to around 44 members over the next couple
of years, to help implement the modernised building
standards system.