Building Regulations for Fire Safety 

In England and Wales, the building Act 1984 and its Building Regulations 2000 apply to new buildings and to building work such as the erection, extension or material alteration of an existing building.  They also apply where there is a material change of use.  The building control authority or approved inspector will consult with the fire and rescue service.

The regulations impose fire safety requirements covering: 

• Where it is proposed to erect a new building, to carry out building work or to make a material change of use, application should be made to your local building control authority or other building approval body.
• Means of escape in case of fire;  
• Compartmentation to inhibit fire spread;
• Fire-resistance of elements of structure;
• Space separation between buildings to reduce the risk of fire spread from one building to another; and
• Reduction of spread of flame over surfaces of walls and ceilings
• Structural stability.
• Access for fire appliances and assistance to the fire service

Contact should initially be made with the building control officers at your local district or borough council: 

Bedford Borough Council

Central Bedfordshire Council

Luton Borough Council