Q. What are Building Regulations?
A. Building Regulations are a set of standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings. They also include requirements for disabled people and the conservation of fuel and power.
Q. I have got Planning Permission, why do I need Building Regulation Approval?
A. These relate to two separate areas of legislation - Planning Permission covers the site and surrounding area aspects - Building Regulations cover the construction of properties according to Approved Documents and British Standards.
Q. How long will I wait for my Building Regulations to go through ?
A. Each application is initially checked within two weeks of submission. Approval is subject to the submission being complete and in accordance with the Building Regulation.
Q. When can I commence work on site ?
A. We would strongly advise that you wait until approval is given. However, it may be possible to start once an application is received subject to notification of each stage of works being given to the Building Control Surveyor for inspection / observation on site. This being the case we would emphasize that ongoing works would be carried out to plans not yet approved and therefore subject to possible change.
Q. What buildings are exempt ?
A. See the
Exempt Work page.
Q. Do you have a warranty scheme?
A. Yes. Please contact Building Control for more information, see the
Contacts page.
Q. My solicitor needs to know whether my property has approval for works carried out. Can you tell me ?
A. We will check the property details and if appropriate, issue copies of documentation as requested, for which a fee is payable.
Q. Is a fee payable for Building Regulation Approval ?
A. Yes. A Fee Sheet can be downloaded from the
Forms and Fees page.
Q. Do I need to reapply as my application has been rejected ?
A. No, all you need to do is give us any additional information we asked for which was omitted from your original application.
Q. Why was I not informed of my neighbours application ?
A. Unlike Planning, Building Control has no legislation which requires us to consult with adjoining properties.
Q. Why have I received a bill from the Council for building work, when I have already paid money to the Council ?
A. There could be several reasons, but it is likely that the original payment did not cover the inspection of work or that you have only paid for Planning.
Q. Do I have to pay for every site visit ?
A. No, there is a one off payment when work commences.
Q. I am selling my property and do not have a copy of my completion certificate, can I get one ?
A. There could be several reasons for not having a completion certificate, one could be that the certificate has not been issued as we have not been told it is finished. If this is the case please arrange for a completion inspection to be undertaken by one of our Surveyors. If the work is satisfactory, a completion certificate will be issued.
If the other reason is that you have lost the certificate, we can supply a copy from us for a fee of £15.00.
Q. I am selling my property and have done building work without getting Building Control Approval. Can I get retrospective approval ?
A. Yes, the Council can provide a Regularisation Certificate for work that complies with The Building Regulations. See the
Forms and Fees page for an application form.
If the work does not comply with the Building Regulations remedial work will have to be undertaken before a Regularisation Certificate will be issued.
Q. What happens if I fail to tell the Council about building work ?
A. If you fail to tell the Council, you are committing a criminal offence for which you can receive a conviction and a fine of up to £5,000.
Q. I am having problems with my new property, what help can you give me ?
A. The first course of action is to go back to the builder, or contact your warranty company e.g. NHBC or Zurich who are the most common.
Q. I am thinking of replacing my windows in my home. Do I need permission ?
A. From the 1st April 2002 you will either need Building Control Permission or use a Fensa Register installer. See the
Fensa website to check if your installer is registered.
Q. I am thinking of changing my electrics in my home do I need permission ?
A. From 1st January 2005 certain electrical installations will either need Building Control Permission or be done by a Part P Competent Person. Please contact Building Control to see if your work comes under our control. See the
Contact page.
