Building Control
Building Control is a statutory service which looks after the built environment. We carry out a health and safety function, in that we ensure Building works carried out are structurally sound, moisture resistant, adequately insulated etc.
We cover works from the installation of a boiler/removal of chimney breast to the erection of multi million pound projects.
We are also charged with investigating, and if necessary making safe existing structures that are an immediate danger to the public.
Our role is to ensure that the Building Regulations (which are national technical standards produced by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) are adhered to.
The Government publishes Approved Documents, which demonstrate how the requirements of the Building Regulations may be satisfied. They are not the only means of satisfying these requirements. Other ways can include using guidance published by the British Standards Institute, Building Research Establishment etc.
If you wish to submit an application online please fill out a form on the following site: www.submit-a-plan.com (Please note any application submitted will require payment in order for it to become valid).
What if building work is carried out without an application?
Sometimes work is carried out without an application. This could lead to enforcement action being taken and could prejudice a future sale of the property.
There is a procedure where a retrospective application may be made for a Regularisation Certificate.
The submission of an application does not guarantee that a certificate will be issued. Parts of the works may need to be opened up and inspected to determine if they are adequate and remedial works may be required before a certificate can be issued.
The Building Control system exists to make sure that buildings are properly designed and constructed so as to ensure the health, safety, welfare and convenience of people using them.
The current Building Regulations were introduced in 1991 and have subsequently been amended several times. The principal areas covered by the regulations are:
- structural stability - will the building safely carry anticipated loadings or will it fall down?!
- fire precautions - both controlling the materials used according to the degree of risk and making sure that buildings could be evacuated without loss of life in the event of a fire
- the prevention of dampness and condensation in buildings
- sound resistance of walls and floors between dwellings
- ventilation of habitable rooms and unheated voids
- hygiene, sanitary appliances and drainage
- heating appliances including the safe discharge of flue gasses
- stairways, ramps and vehicle barriers
- conservation of fuel and power. Is the building properly insulated etc
- access to buildings and facilities for disabled people
- the safe positioning of glazing in windows and doors etc
Building control generally operates as a two-stage process, referred to as the Full Plans application. The first stage (known as the plan stage) involves the applicant submitting detailed plans for approval. These plans are very carefully checked by a Building Control Officer to ensure that all necessary information is shown, and that it complies fully with the Building Regulations. Wherever possible, applicants are given the opportunity to make amendments (if required) before either an approval, conditional approval or rejection is given.
The second stage (inspection stage) starts when work commences on site after which a series of site visits are made to check that the work proceeds in accordance with the plan, and hence complies with the regulations.
For more simple works an alternative, called the Building Notice application, is also available together with more specialised application types to meet specific needs.
If you require further information on Building Control, please use the details above to contact us.
Page updated: 11 Jun 2008