Part A structural compliance statement
A statement confirming the structural design complies with Building Regulations Part A.
About this service
Part A of the Building Regulations covers structure. It requires buildings to carry their loads safely, to cope with ground movement, and, for certain buildings, to resist disproportionate collapse. A Part A structural compliance statement is a short, formal document from an engineer confirming that the structural design meets these requirements, with a schedule of the calculations and drawings that demonstrate it.
Building Control officers ask for one more often than they used to, especially where the design has been prepared by several people or where they want a single signed document for the file. Dutyholders also use it as evidence that structural compliance has been properly considered. Typical projects include extensions, conversions, new houses and small mixed-use buildings up to five storeys.
We review the structural design, whether ours or produced by others, check it against Part A and set out a schedule of supporting documents. Where we find gaps, we tell you plainly rather than signing around them. The review follows our three-step quality control process, with final sign-off by our Head of Engineering. Fees start from £300 + VAT, confirmed as a fixed fee in writing before work starts.
When you need it
- Building Control asks for a Part A compliance statement
- A dutyholder needs evidence of structural compliance
What's included
- Review of the structural design
- Statement of compliance against Part A
- Schedule of supporting calculations and drawings
How it works
- Collect design informationWe gather the structural calculations, drawings, specifications and any geotechnical information, plus the latest architectural drawings showing the building as it will actually be built, including any site changes.
- Review against Part AWe check the design for loading, ground movement and, where relevant, disproportionate collapse, and confirm it follows recognised standards such as the Eurocodes and the guidance in Approved Document A.
- Resolve any gapsIf something is missing or unclear, we list it. The original designer can update it, or we can carry out the extra work under a separately agreed fee.
- Issue the statementWe issue a signed statement with a schedule of supporting calculations and drawings, send it to Building Control on your behalf and answer any follow-up questions they raise.
What you receive
What Part A actually covers, and where projects fall short
Part A is split into requirements on loading, ground movement and disproportionate collapse. Most small projects meet the first two through ordinary calculations for beams, walls and foundations. The third applies only to certain building types and sizes, but it is the one most often overlooked on flat conversions and upward extensions. Where it applies, a separate disproportionate collapse assessment is usually needed.
The other common gap is a design that changed on site while the calculations did not. Steel sizes swapped for availability, openings widened or loads moved can all leave the paperwork out of step with the building. Our statement is based on final design information, so confirm drawings are up to date first. Our Building Control guide explains how this fits into final sign-off.
Projects that used this service
Frequently asked questions
What is Building Regulations Part A?
Part A is the section of the Building Regulations dealing with structure. It requires buildings to carry their loads safely, to withstand ground movement such as clay shrinkage or subsidence, and, for certain buildings, to avoid collapse out of proportion to an accidental event. Approved Document A gives practical guidance on meeting these requirements.
Why has Building Control asked for a Part A compliance statement?
Officers may want one signed document confirming that the structural design as a whole complies, rather than piecing it together from separate calculations. It is common where several designers are involved or the design has changed during the project. The statement gives them a clear reference and a schedule of supporting documents.
Can you sign a compliance statement for another engineer's design?
Yes, after reviewing it. We check the calculations and drawings against Part A and confirm compliance where the design supports it. If we find errors or omissions, we explain them so they can be corrected. We will not sign a statement for a design we have not reviewed or that does not comply.
How long does a Part A statement take?
For a complete and consistent set of design documents, it is usually straightforward. Our typical turnaround is 10 working days, confirmed in writing with the fee. Missing information or design gaps extend this, so sending everything together at the start keeps the timeline short.