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You are here: Home Page > Environment and Planning > Building Control > Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

YES, unless the extension is exempt (see questions 3, 4, 5 & 6).

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No, provided that the garage meets the following conditions: it is less than 30 square metres floor area - single storey - one metre from any boundary or constructed of non-combustible materials (including the roof). Any other garage will require an application.

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No, provided its floor area is less than 30 square metres and it is open on at least two sides.

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No, provided the floor area is less than 30 square metres.

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No, provided the floor area is less than 30 square metres, it is separated from the house by a door, and any glazing in critical locations (any window below 800 mm, any glazing in a door below 1500 mm and any glazing in door side lights within 300 mm of the door within 1500 mm of the finished floor) is safety glass.

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No, provided the floor area is less than 30 square metres, it is substantially of clear or translucent materials and is separated from the house by an external quality door. Any glass within critical locations should be safety glass (any window below 800 mm, any glazing in a door below 1500 mm and any glazing in door side lights within 300 mm of the door within 1500 mm of the finished floor).

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YES.

 

PLEASE NOTE:- Refer to footnote 4 on the Guidance Note on Charges when selecting an appropriate fee for a loft conversion. If in doubt please phone Building Control Administration on 01347 822703.

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No, provided it contains no sleeping accommodation, is less than 30 square metres, it is single storey and is either more than one metre from the boundary or is constructed of non-combustible materials. A detached greenhouse or shed usually falls within this class of building.

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YES, if the alterations are of a structural nature eg the removal or part removal of a load bearing wall, or removal of part or the whole of a chimney, or if they affect fire safety eg changed layouts etc. Generally, if the alteration involves the insertion of a beam or lintel, or will effect the stability of the building, then the alteration is a structural one. If you are unsure if the alteration will require approval then seek the advice of an expert.

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Yes, even if it is only a store or hobbies room.

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YES, you will need to submit a replacement windows application along with the appropriate charge. However, if your installer is a member of “FENSA” then they will normally notify Building Control and certify the work themselves.

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NO, if the repairs are of a minor nature and you are replacing like for like. This includes replacing the felt to a flat roof, repointing, replacing a small area of brickwork etc.

 

YES, if the repair involves the removal of a major part of a wall and rebuilding it. In the case of re-roofing, if the tiles are of the same type then no approval needs to be sought. If the new tile or roofing material is substantially heavier or lighter than the existing material then an approval under Building Regulations will be rquired.

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YES, this is a change of use.

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YES, this is classed as a structural alteration.

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YES, unless the work is the installation of a:

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All drainage work in connection with a building requires an application (including the installation of a sink or toilet).

 

Only if the work requires new drainage (above or below ground). If your contractor is registered with the Institute of Plumbing Approved Contractor Person Scheme (Building Regulations) to install fittings, foul and storm water drainage in buildings of no more than three storeys, not including a basement, and connections to drains at a depth of less than 750 mm below surface, then the Approved Contractor can undertake this work without Building Control inspecting the site. However, Building Control must be notified that this work is happening.

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NO, the Building Control Section will check the means of escape and other fire precautions. Once these items have proved to be satisfactory, the Building Control Officer will consult the Fire Service on items such as alarms and fire extinguishers. The client will be informed of all requirements by the Building Control Officer.

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NO, objections may be raised under other legislation, particularly if your proposal is subject to approval under the Town and Country Planning Acts.

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YES, if work has not commenced within three years of submission of an application, the Council may, by notice under Section 32 of the Building Act 1984, declare the plans to be of no effect. If you still wish to proceed with this work a new application will have to be submitted. This application will have to be to the standards applicable at the time of deposit and will require a further fee.

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If you use the Full Plans procedure, the Council will check your plans and consult appropriate authorities (such as fire and water authorities). If your plans do not show that the work would contravene the regulations, you will receive a notice that they have been approved. If the Council is not satisfied, you may be asked to make amendments or provide more details. Alternatively, a conditional approval may be issued if you request one, or consent to one being issued. If your plans are rejected, the reasons will be stated in the notice.

 

If you use the Building Notice procedure, the work will be inspected as it proceeds; however, any plans received will not be checked.  If, before commencement or during construction, the Council requires further information such as structural design calculations or plans, you must supply these details on request. An Acceptance Notice will be issued.

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Once your plans have been submitted or a building notice given, work can commence on site after 48 hours notice has been given to the Council of your intention to commence work.

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This can arise when selling the property and a Solicitor's Search reveals that permission has not been granted. For work carried out since November 1985, it is possible to submit a Regularisation Application. This is similar to a Building Notice Application whereby the works will be assessed on site. It is often necessary for work to be opened up to gain access for inspection.

 

With a Regularisation Application, the fee payable is the standard fee current at the time of deposit (excluding VAT) plus an additional 20%. The Regulations used to access compliance are those which were applicable at the time of the work being carried out.

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Charges for Full Plans Applications are split into two stages. The first stage is the Plan Charge, which is paid when you submit your application. The second stage is the Inspection Charge, which is paid as soon as work commences on site and you will be invoiced for this.

 

With a Building Notice Application you pay the full fee when the application is submitted.

 

Calculating charges can, on occasions, be complicated. If you need clarification please phone Building Control Administration on 01347 822703, who will be happy to provide assistance.

 

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YES, these stages are:-

 

 

* The term 'day' means any period of 24 hours commencing at midnight, and excluding Saturday and Sunday, Bank/Public holidays.

 

Following a satisfactory completion inspection a Completion Certificate will be issued, by the Partnership, free of charge. This povides proof to building societies, banks and solicitors that as far as can be ascertained the work complies with the Building Regulations and has been completed to the satisfaction of the Council.

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