Evy Coe
Kitchens are an important part of many homes. They provide a social space for cooking, eating and relaxing.
There are several regulations that apply to kitchens because of the number of appliances they usually contain. These make sure that kitchens are safe and functional places. The two types of regulations that may apply to kitchens are planning permission and building regulations.
Planning permission
For some building projects, you need to apply to the local authority for planning permission to carry out the work. This system is in place to make sure that building work is appropriate and in-keeping with the local area. Because the system is locally enforced, planning regulations can vary across the country. Check with your local authority if you’re not sure what rules apply in your area.
Generally, you don’t need planning permission for internal works. If your kitchen project is completely internal, you don’t need to apply for planning permission. You also don’t need planning permission to replace all or parts of an existing kitchen. However, if any of the work involves altering the exterior of the property, like adding a window, you may need planning permission.
If your new kitchen is in an extension or loft conversion, you’ll need to get planning permission. The application must contain information about the extension and how you are going to use the new space. If you’re converting your garage into a kitchen, you may also need planning permission. In many places there are restrictions on the number of parking spaces that must be available. If you convert your garage to extend your kitchen, you may find that you have to provide a replacement parking space.
Building regulations
Building regulations make sure that buildings are safe as well as energy efficient. They establish standards that building work must meet. Some projects may need building regulations approval, which means that the local authority will inspect the work. Even if a project doesn’t need building regulations approval, it’s a good idea to make sure the work meets current building regulations. Current building regulations set out best practices for fire and electrical safety, so it’s worth understanding them.
If you’re installing a new kitchen, you’ll need building regulations approval. Generally, this means having an inspection by your local authority. You may also need to submit your building plans. If you’re not moving the sink or oven, or altering electric circuits, you probably don’t need building regulations approval. If you’re not sure if your kitchen project will need building regulations approval, get advice from your local authority.
6 ways your kitchen will need to meet building regulations
Your kitchen may need to meet building regulations in several different ways. For example:
- Electrics
Electrical circuits and kitchen appliances must be safely installed. Sockets should not be within 30cm horizontally of sinks. The easiest way to make sure the electrical work in your kitchen meets building regulations is to use a certified electrician. Electricians who are registered with competent persons schemes, such as NAPIT, can self-certify that their work meets building regulations. - Gas work
You should get a certified gas engineer to do any necessary gas work. If you have a gas oven or stove, the room must meet certain ventilation requirements. - Plumbing and drainage
The flow rate and height of any kitchen plumbing must meet building regulations. Certified plumbers can carry out and self-certify this work. - Ventilation
Kitchens must be suitably ventilated. Building regulations say that kitchen windows need an openable window and extractor fan. This extractor fan may be above the stove, or elsewhere. If it isn’t above the stove then it’ll need to be more powerful. - Fire alarms
Kitchens must contain a working heat alarm. There may also be escape route requirements that are affected by the placement of your kitchen, especially in open plan layouts.
There is a range of ways that your kitchen may have to meet these regulations. It can be tricky to be sure that you’re meeting them. Speak to a qualified kitchen installer if you need advice on how regulations may apply to your project.
