Hansard

Building Regulations

Volume 701: debated on Monday 12 May 2008

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Lord Taylor of Holbeach

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether building regulations on the positioning of oil tanks are retrospective; and, if so, whether there is a derogation for rural householders with no access to pipeline gas. [HL3406]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government
(Baroness Andrews)

The building regulations require tanks to be constructed and protected to reduce to a reasonable level the risk of oil escaping and causing pollution. The requirement applies whenever new or replacement tanks with capacities not exceeding 3,500 litres are installed above ground to serve dwellings. There are no derogations but the level of risk and hence the degree of protection depends on the circumstances in the particular case.