Building Regs

[Griffo]

I'm replacing a hearth and Building Regs Part J specify that the constructional hearth has to have a depth of 500mm from the fireplace. Unfortunately there is a wooden joist 460mm from the fireplace. If I was to comply with the regs I would have to remove this part of the joist. It all seems a bit much for 40mm. What are the consquences of breaching the regs?

[Owain]

Your house goes on fire.

However I think for straightforward replacement, provided you're not making worse than the existing, compliance with current Regs is not mandataory. (Except for central heating boilers, windows, etc etc etc)

Owain