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Wales

New building control regulations came into force in Wales on 1 July 2026. If you work on projects in Wales, these changes affect you now. 

Wales has introduced a building safety regime that broadly mirrors the one already in place in England since 2023, drawing on England's implementation experience. There are some important differences, set out below. 

What counts as a higher-risk building in Wales 

A higher-risk building (HRB) during design and construction is any building that is 18 metres or taller, or has seven or more storeys, and is one of the following: 

  • Contains at least one residential unit (England requires two or more) 
  • A hospital with at least one overnight bed 
  • A care home 
  • A children's home 

In addition, all multi-occupied residential buildings with two or more homes are covered, regardless of height. 

Changes to building control 

A new gateway approval system now applies to all higher-risk building work. Work cannot start lawfully without building control approval at Gateway 2. Occupation cannot follow without formal completion certification. 

Unlike England, where higher-risk buildings are overseen by the Building Safety Regulator, the building control authority for HRBs in Wales is the relevant local authority. Local authorities must work closely with Fire and Rescue Authorities. Local authority building inspectors must be registered and regulated by the Building Safety Regulator. Oversight of Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs) and Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) in Wales is carried out by Welsh Ministers. 

Dutyholder responsibilities 

A dutyholder framework now applies to all building work in Wales, not just higher-risk buildings. Clients must appoint competent designers and contractors. Designers and contractors must demonstrate their competence and cooperate throughout the project. These roles align with CDM dutyholder roles. 

If you are the only contractor on a job, you may assume the role of Principal Contractor by default. Make sure you understand when this applies and what it requires of you. NFRC's guidance on dutyholder responsibilities under the Building Safety Act is a good starting point — much of it applies equally in Wales. 

Transitional arrangements 

Where full plans were deposited with a building control authority, or an initial notice given and accepted, before 1 July 2026, the existing building regulations continue to apply to that work. The new gateway, golden thread, and dutyholder requirements do not apply to work meeting those criteria. 

Additional Welsh measures 

  • Wales is the first UK nation to introduce a remediation pathway for all buildings over 11 metres with fire safety issues 
  • A new organisation — the Joint Inspection Team for Building Safety (Wales) Ltd — has been created to support local authorities and Fire and Rescue Authorities, providing inspection support and specialist advice across building control, environmental health, fire engineering, and fire and rescue services 

Further guidance 

The Welsh Government has published guidance to support businesses through the transition. Read the full guidance here: 

If you have questions about how these changes affect your business, contact the Welsh Government at [email protected] or NFRC’s technical team.