Paul,
Householder and electrician would both be both regarded as persons who intend to carry out work. Precedent was set in Gwent Borough Council v Khan (1993). The High Court found that an owner of a building who orders work to be carried out comes under the definition "person carrying out or intending to carry out building works".
I agree with your other points and generally accept that notification for pure electrical work may not occur as regularly as the authorities might hope and indeed some negative consequence may exist. However, for the first time a refurbishment for example, which is notified as building works will see scrutiny of the electrical installation within an authoratative frame. Certificates will be required, and yes I do know that these can be fabricated, but at least it will emphasise the need to inspect and test new work.
I am convinced that Part P will have a positive impact in due course. We are required to notify BC on say a new wet heating system in domestic premises. Few do when that is all the work that occurs, but I can tell you that when an application is received as part of a composite package, BC are scrupulous in ensuring that the obligatory controls are properly installed. That can only be a good thing!
