New Building Regulation Approved Document to improve security of new homes

Thanks to Hertfordshire Constabulary for bringing my attention to the publication of this important Building Regulation Approved Document giving practical guidance about secure doors and windows for new homes.

The current edition of Approved Document Q - Security - Dwellings supports requirement Q1 of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010. Requirement Q1 applies only in relation to new dwellings and provides that reasonable provision must be made to resist unauthorised access to any dwelling; and any part of a building from which access can be gained to a flat within the building.

The approved document sets out reasonable standards for doors and windows to resist physical attack by a casual or opportunist burglar by being both sufficiently robust and fitted with appropriate hardware.

This approved document takes effect on 1 October 2015 for use in England*. It does not apply to work started before 1 October 2015, or work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before that date provided the work is started on site before 1 October 2016.

Approved Document Q: Security - Dwellings (2015 edition) (PDF)

* It also applies to building work carried out on excepted energy buildings in Wales as defined in the Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions (No. 2) Order 2009.