James wrote:

But what are the chances the Part P regs will be changed [...]

I've only noticed today that the ODPM has already issued what they are
calling "corrections" to Approved Document P - see
http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/grou...reg_033693.pdf

This contains a clarification on what constitutes a kitchen for the
purpose of the Act:

"Kitchen is defined in the Building Regulations as 'a room or part of a
room which contains a sink and food preparation facilities'.

"As a guide only, in open plan areas the zone of a kitchen may be
considered to extend from the edge of the sink to a distance of 3m or to
a nearer dividing wall."

And also the statement that:

"Work not in a special location on: Telephone or extra-low voltage
wiring and equipment for the purposes of communications, information
technology, signalling, control and similar purposes"

need not be notified.

(So a building notice is still required if you want to install a phone
socket or coaxial aerial socket in the kitchen!)

[...] to allow DIY electrical (to standards of course) work again
(with out the need for building control or part p certified
electrician??? or building control).

Approximately zero.

--
Andy