Connectivity Plans
Professional preparation and coordination of Connectivity Plans for new dwellings and applicable residential developments. We help developers provide the information required to demonstrate proposed compliance with the gigabit-ready infrastructure and network connection requirements of Building Regulations Part R.
Connectivity Plans for Building Regulations Approval
A Connectivity Plan provides Building Control with details of the electronic communications infrastructure and network connection proposed for a residential development.
Approved Document R Volume 1 provides guidance on the installation of gigabit-ready physical infrastructure and a connection to a gigabit-capable public electronic communications network when new dwellings are erected.
One Stop Consult can review the development, coordinate information from the developer and network provider, and prepare the Connectivity Plan for submission alongside the relevant Building Regulations application.
Understanding Requirements RA1 and RA2
Approved Document R Volume 1 separates the requirements into physical infrastructure and the provision of a suitable network connection.
Gigabit-Ready Physical Infrastructure
Each applicable dwelling must be equipped with physical infrastructure capable of supporting a gigabit-capable connection between the dwelling and the relevant network distribution or access point.
Gigabit-Capable Network Connection
Each applicable new dwelling must be provided with a connection to a gigabit-capable public electronic communications network, subject to the provisions, modifications and exemptions within the regulations.
Network Termination Point
The proposal should identify the point at which the occupier is provided with access to the electronic communications network within or at the dwelling.
Access and Distribution Points
The physical route may connect the dwelling to an access point, common access point or network distribution point, depending on the design and land rights available.
Multiple-Dwelling Buildings
Buildings containing more than one dwelling may also require a suitable common access point serving the individual flats or residential units.
Supporting Evidence
Evidence may be required from the proposed network operator to confirm the connection, infrastructure arrangements and technical solution for the development.
Projects That May Require a Connectivity Plan
The gigabit-ready requirements primarily apply when new dwellings are erected and may also apply where new dwellings are created through certain material changes of use.
The precise requirements should be confirmed against the development type, Building Regulations application date and applicable transitional arrangements.
What a Connectivity Plan Can Include
The plan should provide sufficient information for Building Control to understand how the development is intended to meet the relevant Part R requirements.
Send the Project Information
Provide the development address, proposed drawings, number of dwellings and Building Control information.
Review the Development
We assess the proposed scheme and identify the connectivity information likely to be required.
Obtain Provider Information
Information, quotations or confirmation from suitable network operators is collected where required.
Prepare the Connectivity Plan
The proposed infrastructure, network connection and supporting evidence are presented in the required format.
Submit to Building Control
The completed information can be provided for submission with the Building Regulations application or in response to a validation request.
Information Usually Required
Providing the available project and network information at the beginning helps us confirm the scope and prepare the Connectivity Plan efficiently.
Development Address
The complete site address, postcode and applicable plot or phase numbers.
Proposed Site Plan
A plan showing the dwellings, site boundaries, access roads, footpaths and relevant service routes.
Number of Dwellings
Confirmation of the number and type of new homes included within the application.
Building Control Details
Details of the appointed Building Control body, application reference and any validation correspondence received.
Network Provider Details
The proposed operator’s name, contact details, quotations, agreements and relevant technical correspondence.
Infrastructure Proposal
Available details of ducts, chambers, cabinets, entry points, communal routes and network termination positions.
Gigabit-Ready Physical Infrastructure
Gigabit-ready physical infrastructure is the physical infrastructure needed to host the cabling or other equipment used to provide a gigabit-capable connection.
Depending on the development, this may include ducts, chambers, cabinets, access points, common access points and routes between each dwelling and the network distribution point.
Infrastructure should be suitably positioned and designed so that the network connection can be installed and maintained without unnecessary future building or excavation work.
The Part R Cost Cap
Approved Document R includes a cost-cap procedure where the cost of providing a gigabit-capable network connection would exceed the applicable amount per dwelling.
Where the cost-cap provisions are relied upon, evidence from suitable network operators may be required. The developer may then need to provide the next fastest available connection that can be installed within the applicable cost cap.
The cost cap applies to the network connection requirement and does not remove the separate requirement to provide gigabit-ready physical infrastructure unless a specific exemption applies.
Where a Gigabit Connection Cannot Be Provided
Where a gigabit-capable connection is not proposed, the Connectivity Plan may need additional information explaining why and identifying the alternative connection to be installed.
The required evidence depends on the provision, modification or exemption being relied upon.
Flats and Multiple-Dwelling Developments
Developments containing multiple dwellings require careful coordination of the external network route, communal infrastructure and the individual connection to each dwelling.
The design may need to identify common access points, internal distribution routes, risers, service cupboards and network termination points within each flat.
Early coordination can help prevent clashes with structural, electrical, fire safety and other building services requirements.
When Should the Connectivity Plan Be Prepared?
Connectivity requirements should be reviewed during the design stage and before the Building Regulations application is submitted.
Early engagement with network operators provides more time to obtain quotations, confirm infrastructure routes and coordinate installation with the wider construction programme.
Nationwide Connectivity Plan Support
One Stop Consult supports developers, builders, architects, landlords and property professionals with Connectivity Plans for eligible residential developments throughout England. Building Control information, drawings and network-provider evidence can be coordinated through a single point of contact.
Other Services Your Development May Require
We can coordinate design, Building Regulations, energy, certification and construction testing services alongside your Connectivity Plan.
Important Part R Information
One Stop Consult provides consultancy, document preparation and project coordination support and is not a Building Control Approver, Local Authority Building Control department, internet service provider or electronic communications network operator. Acceptance of a Connectivity Plan and confirmation of compliance are matters for the appointed Building Control body. The precise requirements depend on the project, application date, transitional provisions, network availability and evidence supplied by the developer and network operator. Network-provider charges, connection costs, application fees, surveys, revised drawings and additional evidence may be charged separately unless expressly included within the agreed quotation.
Connectivity Plan FAQs
What is a Connectivity Plan?
A Connectivity Plan sets out the proposed physical infrastructure and public electronic communications network connection for an applicable residential development. It provides Building Control with information showing how the relevant Part R requirements are intended to be addressed.
What are RA1 and RA2?
RA1 concerns gigabit-ready physical infrastructure. RA2 concerns the provision of a connection to a gigabit-capable public electronic communications network for applicable new dwellings.
Which projects require a Connectivity Plan?
The requirements primarily apply to new dwellings and may also apply when dwellings are created through certain material changes of use. The exact application should be confirmed for each development.
Does Part R apply to flats?
Yes, applicable new flats are included. A building containing multiple dwellings may also require communal infrastructure and a common access point serving the individual homes.
When should the Connectivity Plan be submitted?
The required particulars should generally accompany the applicable Building Regulations application or notice before work begins. Early preparation is recommended to avoid validation or construction delays.
Do I need confirmation from a network provider?
Supporting correspondence, quotations or an agreement from a suitable network provider may be needed to demonstrate the connection proposed for the development.
What happens if a gigabit connection is too expensive?
The Part R cost-cap provisions may apply. Evidence from suitable network operators may be required, and the next fastest connection available within the applicable cap may need to be installed instead.
Does the cost cap remove the need for physical infrastructure?
Not automatically. The cost cap relates to the network connection requirement. Gigabit-ready physical infrastructure may still be required unless a relevant exemption applies.
Can you help if Building Control has requested a Connectivity Plan?
Yes. Send us the Building Control correspondence, project drawings and any network-provider information. We can review the request and prepare the required documentation.
Can you guarantee Building Control acceptance?
No. Acceptance and confirmation of compliance are matters for the appointed Building Control body. We prepare and coordinate the information required to support its review.
Request Your Free Connectivity Plan Quote
Complete the form below and provide the development address, number of dwellings, proposed site plan and any correspondence from Building Control or the proposed network operator. Our team will review the information and provide a clear, no-obligation quotation for preparing the required Connectivity Plan.