Mezzanine flooring is an immediate floor that exists between the main floors of a building, and as a result, is typically not counted in the overall floor count. There are many applications for mezzanine flooring nowadays, whether it be from offices or retail to warehouses and distribution centres.
Many businesses are choosing to install mezzanine flooring solutions into their businesses due to the scarcity of space within the UK, as sources suggest that Britain could run out of all storage space within a year due to a boom in E-commerce trends.
With all the misleading information surrounding building regulations and planning permissions, it is unsurprising that business owners are still confused. We have created this blog in aid of this – outlining whether or not a business owner requires planning permission, and other building regulations in order to install mezzanine flooring solutions.
Building Regulation Requirements for Mezzanine Floors
Planning Permission:
Of all the misconceptions surrounding mezzanine flooring building regulation, the most common is that they all require planning permission, however, this is not always the case. Planning permission is only required in specific situations, which is typically dependent on how your mezzanine flooring is intended to be used, and the size of the mezzanine level that you are looking to install. The most likely scenario where you are likely to incur fines without the appropriate planning permission is if you are looking to enlarge the floor area of your current site or alter your business externally.
Building Regulations
In contrast to planning permission requirements, all mezzanine flooring solutions will necessitate Building Regulations Approval prior to installation. In order to obtain such accreditation, the appropriate authorities will need to assess the overall health & safety aspects of your building, including its design and construction. Upon inspection, the following aspects will need to be evaluated:
- Structural safety
- Fire safety
- Protection from falling
- Access to and use of buildings
Fire Safety
Fire safety is one of the primary aspects of both the Building Regulations Act, but also in general practice, for the safety and protection of your employees and products. There are a few factors to consider when deciding on the appropriate solution for mezzanine fire protection, and whether it needs to be a minimum of 30, 60, or 90-minute fire prevention rating approved. Other factors to consider when it comes to fire safety include:
- If your mezzanine flooring serves as offices or is accessed by the public
- If your mezzanine is more than 20 metres in width or length
- If your mezzanine flooring is more than 400m2
Accessibility Regulations
You must carefully consider all accessibility regulations for your mezzanine flooring installations, as they must be safe, meet fire evacuation requirements, and comply fully with the Equality Act 2010.
Ambulant staircases are a highly revered solution for meeting Part M of the Buildings Regulation Act, as they are designed to have lower step rises and wider treads. These staircases are also fully enclosed to prevent accidents and to make the stairs more accessible for everyone involved.
Mezzanine Flooring Solutions with JUST MCP
Just MPC are the market leaders for all things mezzanine, ceiling, and partition related. Based in the West Midlands, Just MPC are a family-run company, with a wealth of knowledge and over 40 years of experience, providing solutions throughout the whole UK. All of our in-house experts are highly skilled at both construction and design for every scale of project, providing quality craftsmanship, exceptional client relations and effective space solutions at competitive prices in everything that we do.
There are countless benefits to be gained by installing a mezzanine flooring, check out our blog on to find out what they are. If you would like to know more about how we can provide you with the perfect mezzanine flooring solution that conform to the correct regulations, or if you have any further questions regarding planning permission, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.