Part R Connectivity Plans
Part R of the Building Regulations requires new homes in England to have gigabit-ready ducts and routes and, up to a cost cap of £2,000 per home, a gigabit-capable connection. A Connectivity Plan shows Building Control how you will do this. It goes in with your application, before work starts. We prepare it and gather the evidence from network operators.
Connectivity Plans from £249.99 + VAT.
Done for You, Not a DIY Form
Free online tools can fill in a template. Building Control can still ask for more: which network operator will connect each home, the technology it will use and where each connection ends. Where a gigabit connection would cost more than £2,000 per home, you also need evidence from two network operators.
We contact the network operators, collect that evidence and prepare the plan, so it is ready to go in with your application. If a plan has already been sent back, send us the Building Control comments and we will put it right.
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.
What Is Part R of the Building Regulations?
Part R covers the ducts, routes and connections for fast broadband. The rules for new homes came into force in England on 26 December 2022, under Approved Document R Volume 1.
Who It Applies To
New houses and flats in England, including self-builds and homes in mixed-use buildings. Wales brought in similar rules on 1 July 2025.
Two Requirements
RA1: gigabit-ready ducts and routes from each home to the network distribution point. RA2: a working connection to a gigabit-capable network, which means download speeds of at least 1000 Mbps.
£2,000 Cost Cap
If a gigabit connection would cost more than £2,000 per home, you install the next fastest connection available within the cap. That is a high-speed connection of at least 30 Mbps, then a USO-standard connection. The ducts and routes are still needed.
Two Network Operators
To rely on the cost cap you need evidence from at least two suitable network operators: quotes over the cap, a written refusal, or no reply within 30 working days.
Conversions Are Not Covered
New homes created by a material change of use are outside RA1 and RA2. So are rooms in hotels, hostels, boarding houses and educational establishments. Major renovation of existing buildings falls under a separate requirement, R1, in Volume 2.
When to Send It
Before the work starts, when you give notice or apply to Building Control. Approved Document R includes a model form that you can use or adapt.
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
Requirements RA1 and RA2 apply when a new dwelling, or a building containing dwellings, is erected. New dwellings created through a material change of use, such as a barn or office conversion, are outside these two requirements.
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. Approved Document R has a model form in Appendix B. Part A shows where the gigabit-ready infrastructure goes. Part B covers any exemption you rely on, with the evidence.
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 £2,000 per dwelling. Contributions from network operators are taken off before the cost is compared with the cap.
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. Wales has its own rules, so tell us where your site is.
We also have local pages for connectivity plans in Birmingham, Bristol, Coventry, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield.
Other Services Your Development May Require
We can coordinate design, Building Regulations, energy, certification and construction testing services alongside your Connectivity Plan.
SAP calculations From £95 + VAT. Water calculations From £20 + VAT. Air tightness testing From £95 + VAT (per plot). Guide price. Get a free quote for your project.
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 Part R of the Building Regulations?
It is the rule that new homes in England must have gigabit-ready ducts and routes and, up to a cost cap of £2,000 per home, a gigabit-capable connection. It has applied to new homes since 26 December 2022. Approved Document R Volume 1 gives the guidance.
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?
New houses and flats, including self-builds, new housing developments and homes in mixed-use buildings. New dwellings created through a material change of use are outside requirements RA1 and RA2. If you are unsure, check with your Building Control body.
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?
If it would cost more than £2,000 per home, the cost cap applies. You need evidence from at least two suitable network operators, and you install the next fastest connection available within the cap 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.
Does Part R apply to conversions?
Requirements RA1 and RA2 do not apply to new dwellings created through a material change of use. Major renovation of an existing building is covered by a separate requirement, R1, in Approved Document R Volume 2. If you are unsure, check with your Building Control body.
Does Part R apply to self-build homes?
Yes. Approved Document R Volume 1 lists self-build new dwellings as covered, so a self-build still needs a Connectivity Plan.
Is there a Connectivity Plan template?
Yes. Appendix B of Approved Document R Volume 1 has a model form that developers can use or adapt. Part A covers the infrastructure and Part B covers any exemptions, with evidence.
How long do network operators have to reply?
If you invite at least two suitable operators and they have not responded within 30 working days, you can say so in your Connectivity Plan, with evidence. So contact them early.
How much does a Connectivity Plan cost?
From £249.99 + VAT. Guide price. Get a free quote for your project. Send us the site plan and the number of homes and we will confirm the price.
What else does a new home need for Building Control?
Usually SAP calculations, water calculations, air tightness testing and an Overheating Assessment under Part O. If your planning permission has conditions, we can also help you discharge them.
What is gigabit-ready infrastructure?
It is the physical route for the broadband cables, such as ducts, chambers and access points, running from the edge of the site into each home. It has to be in place even if the connection itself is limited by the cost cap.
Is Part R the same as Approved Document R?
Part R is the legal requirement in the Building Regulations. Approved Document R Volume 1 is the government guidance on how to meet it for new homes.
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.
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