As homes across the UK prepare for the annual Spring DIY and renovation season, Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, has partnered with the Planning Portal, the home of planning and building regulations, in a bid to boost important gas safety awareness linked to building works.
Despite the cost-of-living crisis, recent research from Rated People indicates that families across the UK are still undertaking substantial DIY projects, with 35 per cent saying they will definitely improve their homes this year and almost two in three (60%) tradespeople expecting to work on renovation projects in 2023. With the home improvement trend unlikely to slow down, but with purse strings tighter than ever, together Cadent and the Planning Portal are keen to raise awareness about gas safety, while encouraging people embarking on DIY and building projects to not cut corners on the planning.
With the Planning Portal facilitating 90 per cent of all online applications for England and Wales, as well as providing an online building control application service, the strategic partnership with Cadent aims to significantly raise awareness on what should be considered on gas safety ahead of any building work.
Dan Mee, Principal Integrity Engineer at Cadent, added: “Home renovations are exciting projects, but many people are unaware of practical risks associated with carrying out works around gas service pipes, emergency control valves and meter installations. The Planning Portal is the first point of call for anyone with planning and building work enquiries and so we’re hoping that by launching new guidance, we will see an increase in engagement from homeowners and builders to ensure the impact of the works on gas safety, are properly assessed.”
Dan continued: “We often don’t get contacted until after works have taken place which can result in unforeseen costs, delays or disruption in completing someone’s home improvements or extension. Even if the work’s been carried out and everything seems fine, there could still be consequences over time – it’s always best to check with us and we’re more than happy to come out to assess and make sure there are no potential issues that could create dangerous or long-term issues.”
The Planning Portal’s (www.plannningportal.co.uk) mission is to advance the digital future of planning and building. Alongside the application services, the Planning Portal website hosts the latest planning and building legislation, as well as user-friendly, interactive guidance to advise homeowners and industry professionals on all things planning and building.
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*
Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.
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