Building Regulations - Mezzanine Floors
Do mezzanine floors need planning permission?
In general, planning permission is not needed to install an interior mezzanine. The only time you would need to get planning permission first is if the mezzanine will increase the floor space of a retail setting by 200 square metres or more, or if the mezzanine will require any changes to the exterior of the site in order to accommodate it. This latter instance would include the installation of windows for example. You might also need planning permission if the mezzanine installation goes hand in hand with a change to the building’s usage.
Will we need a building regulations application to install a mezzanine?
Yes, just about all types of building works – including mezzanine installations – require an application to be made to a building control body (BCB) before they can commence. There are two types of BCBs, either local authority in the form of your local council, or private in the form of an approved inspector.
The team here at Clark Mezzanines will help advise on this application process for you. We’ll supply any necessary drawings and calculations to help you gain approval from the BCB.
What do building regulations entail?
UK building regulations are put into place to protect everyone involved – directly and indirectly. There are currently 16 Approved Documents that must be adhered to:
- A – Structure
- B – Fire safety
- C – Site preparation and resistance to contaminates and moisture
- D – Toxic substances
- E – Resistance to sound
- F – Ventilation
- G – Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
- H – Drainage and water disposal
- J – Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
- K – Protection from falling, collision and impact
- L – Conservation of fuel and power
- M – Access to and use of buildings
- P – Electrical safety
- Q – Security in dwellings
- R – High speed electronic communications networks
- 7 – Materials and workmanship
How do UK building regulations apply to mezzanines?
Not all of these 17 different aspects of building regulations need to be considered in the case of a mezzanine installation, simply because of the type of work it entails. In general, it is sections A, B, K and M that are applicable.
Part A: Structure
In the case of a mezzanine installation, the building regulations in section A relate to the design and structural integrity of the platform. You can rest assured that our mezzanine floors are made with structural steel, meaning they are able to take the weight of a heavy load such as in factories or warehousing. We will supply all necessary paperwork including blueprints and measurements to the BCB to cover this section.
Part B: Fire safety
It’s important to consider fire safety throughout the mezzanine design process. In accordance with this, Clark Mezzanines designs take into account things like access to fire exits, clear walkways, and fire protection. In the case of some mezzanines – especially if they will be used to increase office space – the space must be fire-resistant for a minimum of one hour. This can be achieved by using fire protection products and systems.
Part K: Protection from falling, collision and impact
Hi-Level follows the design guidance in Approved Document K of the UK building regulations early on in the design stage. Similar to the considerations pertaining to fire safety, the design will ensure there is ample access space, proper edge protection, and approved staircases. These features are put into place in order to protect users from falling, collision, and impact.
Part M: Access to and use of buildings
This part of the building regulations relates to the access and use of building structures. It dictates that everybody, including those with disabilities, should be able to access all areas of a building. Again, considerations to this will be made by the Clark Mezzanines team at the time of design.
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