Explanatory Memorandum

Building Regulations (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009

2009 CHAPTER 4

2 March 2009

Background and Policy Objectives

The Act amends the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 No. 1709 (N.I.16) (as amended by The Planning and Building Regulations (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1990 No. 1510 (N.I. 14)) (“the 1979 Order”). The new powers and amended provisions reflect the increasing significance of sustainability and environmental issues, as evidenced by the Sustainable Development Strategy for Northern Ireland, by extending the broad principles of the regulatory framework. The opportunity is also taken to streamline and clarify some of the existing regulatory and enforcement provisions.