New homes: start with the associated parking
For the relevant new residential building route, Approved Document S bases active charge-point provision on the number of dwellings and associated parking spaces. In the straightforward case, the required number is the smaller of those two totals, subject to the stated exceptions. Where there are no associated parking spaces, that route does not require inventing a parking space to install a charger. [2]
Additional cable-route requirements can apply where there are more than ten associated spaces and more spaces than dwellings. Covered car parks and other specified circumstances have different provisions, so do not apply the simplest example to every basement or communal car park. [2]
Conversions and major renovations
The guidance separates residential material changes of use and major renovations from new buildings. Their trigger conditions and the extent of work to parking or electrical infrastructure matter. A project should not be labelled a major renovation solely because the owner considers the refurbishment expensive. [2]
Non-residential buildings have their own requirements. For the relevant new-building case with more than ten parking spaces, the guidance requires at least one charge point and cable routes to at least one fifth of the remaining spaces, subject to the applicable scope and exceptions. [2]
Understand the connection-cost limit
For the relevant new-residential provisions, the £3,600 figure concerns the average additional electricity-system connection cost per charge point under the defined calculation. It is not a universal cap on the whole installation quotation, nor a general exemption whenever an electrician's total bill exceeds that amount. [2]
Ask the designer to identify the applicable provision and obtain the connection information needed to support any exception. Do not rely on an unsupported allowance inserted into a budget.
Coordinate the electrical design
Agree the location, cable routes and installation specification with the competent electrical designer. The work still needs the relevant electrical safety and certification route; Part S does not replace Part P. [3] [4]
The current BS 7671 transition ends on 15 October 2026. Confirm the applicable amendment for the electrical work without treating that standard update as a new planning permission or a requirement to retrofit every existing home. [5]
Record the requirement and evidence
Show the spaces, active chargers and cable routes on the coordinated drawings. Identify any relied-on exception and retain the supporting evidence with installation and commissioning documents. [2]
Planning controls and land or parking rights remain separate questions. The building regulations assessment should be completed alongside, not instead of, the other approvals relevant to the proposed installation. [6]