Approved Document S: Infrastructure for charging electric vehicles
England-focused reference checklist
Editorial source review: 2026-10-17
https://saeedazarshab.com/articles/england-building-regulations/approved-document-s/

INDEPENDENT GUIDANCE — not project-specific legal/design advice or a compliance certificate. Check the official current requirements and applicable transition.

Part S concerns EV charge points and cable routes in applicable developments, material changes and major renovations. The requirements depend on building use, parking and the specific scope and exceptions. It does not mean every parking space at every existing building must immediately receive a charge point.

WHAT TO CHECK
[ ] Confirm the development type, parking arrangements and whether Part S applies.
[ ] Check the applicable requirements and any exceptions against the project facts.
[ ] Coordinate cable routes, charge-point positions and electrical capacity with competent designers and the relevant supply arrangements.
[ ] Consider access, safety, maintenance and interfaces with the external works.
[ ] Retain the design, installation and applicable exception evidence.

RECORDS TO KEEP
- Parking and charging-infrastructure design
- Supply/installation and commissioning information
- Evidence supporting applicable exceptions or cost-related provisions

WHEN TO GET SPECIALIST HELP
Use competent electrical and infrastructure advice for supply capacity, installation and unclear applicability. This is not an electrical design calculator.

SCOPE AND EDITION
Landing updated 17 April 2023 to add FAQs; guidance has February 2022 corrections. Scope and exceptions depend on project facts. Do not assume every parking space in every existing building requires a charge point. Check applicable development type, parking and exceptions in the official guidance.

OFFICIAL SOURCES
GOV.UK — Approved Document S
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infrastructure-for-charging-electric-vehicles-approved-document-s

Official Approved Document S FAQs
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/approved-document-s-infrastructure-for-charging-electric-vehicles-frequently-asked-questions

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated. Original practical summary by Saeed Azarshab.
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/