Government hits back over 'Part L' building regulations criticism

The Government has played down fears that its plans to tighten building regulations and reduce emissions could adversely impact the viability of older hotels.

Peter Roberts, chief executive of hotel group Golden Tulip UK, last week criticised the Government's stringent Part L building regulations, which came into force in April.

Roberts claimed they would cause "a major headache for owners and operators of old buildings" and lead to a rise in building costs that, within five years, could prevent hotels from using air-conditioning.

"Many existing hotels will undoubtedly struggle to meet the necessary standards and if a business does not have the correct energy certificate, it cannot be sold or leased and is therefore a useless asset," he said.

But a spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government confirmed the Part L regulations would neither affect existing buildings which are not being renovated nor prevent any resale potential for older properties.

He said the regulations were part of an ongoing strategy to reduce carbon emissions which had already seen a 40% rise in energy efficiency standards for new buildings over the last four years.

"To get building consent, new buildings or buildings of over 1,000sq<2009>m which are undertaking major works such as extensions or refurbishment must spend extra to improve the property's overall energy efficiency," the spokesman
said.

By Emily Manson

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