Building Regulations, Part S - Electric Vehicle Car Chargers
Posted on 25th April 2023 at 13:25
You will have noticed that on recent trips to the supermarket or city car parks that electric vehicle charging points have been installed to make it convenient for all drivers.
Changes to the Building Regulations Part S mean that now, all new buildings, including new-build family homes must have access to electric vehicle charge points as sales of electric vehicles are on the rise. Most Planning Authorities make it one of planning conditions on newly built properties.
Plans to roll out the installation of charging points were originally announced by the Government in 2021, when it was stated that approximately 145,000 should be installed each year in a bid to promote decarbonised mobility. Rising petrol and diesel costs have been a major concern for road users over the past couple of years, thanks to Brexit and complex international relations, but the impact of traditional fuels on the environment are a major concern, meaning that sustainable vehicle use is fast becoming the most sensible option.
Home charging to remain cheaper
Easy access to EV charging points, particularly when included in new homes, gives electric vehicles more appeal. Despite rising electricity costs in UK homes, the price of home charging will remain far cheaper than driving to your local fuel station to fill up, and there will be no more queuing should fuel shortages become a common occurrence.
Charging points are built into the homes, fitting in with the overall aesthetic to make charging convenient and easily accessible for those who need it. These changes to the building regulations have already seen many drivers opt for a greener alternative, when it comes to their chosen form of travel.
Following the government’s proposals for charging points, sales increased dramatically. It is predicted that in 2025 20% of all new cars will be electric and by 2040 EVs will be in the majority.
Existing buildings
It is important to know that fitting a charging point to an existing building might require planning consent especially in Conservation Areas and definitely on Listed Buildings - we have worked with a few clients who’ve been caught out recently.
As a firm of chartered architects, we can make arrangements with your local planning office to ensure the charger can remain in-situ.
Would an easy access charging point on your property help you make the switch to an eco friendly option? To discuss, please call 01482 778050 or email enquiry@eznat.co.uk.
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