Approved Document R Volume 2: Physical Infrastructure for High-Speed Electronic Communications Networks
Approved Document R, Volume 2 provides statutory guidance for complying with Requirement R1 of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010. Issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, this 2022 edition took effect on 26 December 2022 for use in England. It operates under the authority of the Building Act 1984 and supersedes previous guidance regarding electronic communications infrastructure for specific building categories.
The document focuses on ensuring that buildings are equipped with high-speed-ready in-building physical infrastructure. This includes the provision of access points, network termination points, and appropriate ductwork for copper or fibre-optic cables. The scope covers the erection of new buildings and major renovation works to existing buildings. It specifically excludes new dwellings, which are governed by the gigabit-ready requirements in Approved Document R Volume 1 (Requirement RA1). The regulation defines high-speed networks as those capable of delivering broadband speeds of at least 30 Mbps.
The following sections detail the technical performance standards, application limits, and exemptions defined within the official text to guide architects, developers, and building control bodies through the compliance process.
Requirement R1: Performance and Technical Objectives
Requirement R1 mandates that building work must ensure the structure is equipped with infrastructure intended to host high-speed electronic communications networks. The goal is to allow for the future installation of copper, fibre-optic, or wireless devices capable of delivering speeds greater than 30 Mbps.
- In-building physical infrastructure: Must extend from the service provider's access point to the occupier's network termination point.
- Multi-dwelling buildings: Existing buildings undergoing major renovations must be equipped with a common access point capable of serving all dwellings within the structure.
- Performance threshold: Infrastructure must support networks delivering at least 30 Mbps, though standard copper telephone cables can reach up to 70 Mbps when connected to fibre networks.
Application and Limits on Requirement R1
The regulation applies to the erection of new buildings (other than dwellings) and major renovation works to existing buildings, including existing dwellings. However, specific exclusions apply to avoid overlap with other regulations or to account for building types where compliance is impractical.
- New Dwellings: Excluded from Volume 2 as they must follow Requirement RA1 and RA2 for gigabit-capable connections in Volume 1.
- Exempt Buildings: Works described in Classes 2 to 7 of Schedule 2, such as sheds, greenhouses, and small detached buildings without sleeping accommodation, are not subject to R1.
- External Infrastructure: There is no requirement to provide site-wide infrastructure beyond the access point or internal cabling beyond the network termination point.
Exemptions for Heritage and National Security
Authorities recognize that certain building types or locations may be exempt from Requirement R1 if compliance would compromise specific protections or if the cost is disproportionate to the benefit.
- Heritage Assets: Buildings listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 or scheduled monuments are exempt if compliance would unacceptably alter their character.
- National Security: Buildings occupied by the Ministry of Defence or armed forces for purposes related to national security are excluded.
- Isolated Areas: Exemptions apply if the building is so remote that the prospect of a high-speed connection is considered too remote to justify the infrastructure cost.
- Disproportionate Cost: Major renovation works may be exempt if the owner demonstrates to a building control body that compliance costs would be unreasonable.
Technical Standards and Safety Interactions
Infrastructure design must integrate with other parts of the Building Regulations 2010, particularly concerning fire safety and material standards.
- Fire Safety (Part B): Infrastructure must comply with requirements for fire stopping at penetrations through compartment walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Regulation 7: Combustible materials are banned in the external walls of relevant buildings.
- Ductwork: Suitable ducting should connect termination points to access points, with consideration for bending radii and dimensions as specified in PAS 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum speed the infrastructure must support?
The infrastructure must be capable of delivering broadband access services at speeds of at least 30 Mbps.
Does Approved Document R Volume 2 apply to new houses?
No, the erection of new dwellings is covered by Approved Document R Volume 1, which requires gigabit-ready physical infrastructure.
What defines 'major renovation works' in this context?
Major renovation works are structural modifications of the entire in-building physical infrastructure, or a significant part of it, at the end-user's location.
Are listed buildings exempt from Requirement R1?
Yes, if compliance would unacceptably alter the character or appearance of a listed building or a building in a conservation area.
Where is the network termination point typically located?
The network termination point is typically located inside the building, but it may be outside for wireless connections.
Does the developer have to provide the actual cabling?
No, Requirement R1 only requires the provision of the physical infrastructure (such as ducts and access points), not the network cabling or equipment itself.
Can I use wireless technologies to meet the requirement?
Yes, the design should take account of satellite and wireless technologies where there is evidence that the required network speeds can be met.
What happens if the cost of renovation is too high?
An exemption may be granted if the cost of compliance for major renovation works is demonstrated to be unreasonable or disproportionate to the benefit gained.
