What is Building Regulations Approval?

There are many different things that you can do to your home, or other buildings that you own, without the need for planning permission. However, anything more than a basic repair, including new buildings, alterations, extensions or change of use, requires something known as Building Regulations approval.

What is Building Regulations Approval?

Building Regulations are the minimum standards set for design, construction and alterations to every building in England and Wales. They are developed by the government and approved by Parliament. In order to comply with Building Regulations, Building Regulations approval is required. 

Is Building Regulations Approval Different to Planning Permission?

Building Regulations approval is different from planning permission. Building regulations set the standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health of the people in or around those buildings. 

Planning permission guides the way the towns, cities and the countryside are developed, including their use, appearance, landscaping, access and the impact that the development will have on the environment.

How Do I Apply for Building Regulations Approval?

To apply for building regulations approval, you need to contact a “building control body” (BCB). There are two main types of BCB and it is up to you which you decide to use. You can apply for approval from your council, or you can apply privately through an approved inspector who will tell your local authority about the proposed building work, which is called giving an “initial notice”.

What Happens if I Fail to Comply with the Building Regulations?

The local authority has a duty to enforce building regulations within its area and will do so wherever possible. In the event that you carry out building work which does not comply with the requirements contained in the building regulations, or you do not follow the building control procedures set out for handling your building work, you will have violated the regulations and the relevant local authority should investigate and consider the need to take appropriate enforcement action. 

Whilst the responsibility for compliance with the regulations is with the person carrying out the building work, if you are the owner of the building, then you may be served with an enforcement notice for non-compliance and you may have to correct the work, or pay a fine if the building regulations are not followed. Working with an architect on your building plans is recommended as this will allow them to design your requirements from the planning stage, accommodating the work specified within the building regulations.

If you need more information about building control or are unsure if your project requires a Building Control application please visit the Planning Portal’s information resources.

Steve Jackson Design has been the local architect in Southend-on-Sea for refurbishments, conversions, new build schemes and extensions at numerous properties, expertly designing new houses across Southend-on-Sea and beyond; large and small extensions at the front, rear, side and in the loft. Our work encompasses everything from small residential home extensions to multi-storey flats and listed buildings. CALL US ON 01268 745069.