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What is the purpose of the Building Regulations?
The Building Regulations are approved by Parliament and deal with the minimum standards of design and building work for the construction of domestic, commercial and industrial buildings. In addition, they set out the definitions of what is regarded as "building work" and the procedures for ensuring that it meets the standards laid down.
The Building Regulations contain a list of requirements, which are designed to:
In total there are 14 parts to the requirements. They cover subjects such as structure, site preparation, fire safety, ventilation, drainage, energy conservation, electrical safety and access and facilities for all people.
What advice is available?
Unless you have a reasonable working knowledge of building construction and the associated requirements it would be advisable before the work is begun to obtain professional advice (e.g. from an architect, structural engineer or a building surveyor) and to choose a recognised builder to carry out the work. It may also be advisable to consult the Local Authority Building Control Surveyor in advance.
Click the link below for guidance on choosing a builder:
Are pre-application meetings available?
The use of pre-application meetings are beneficial to both parties and helps to ensure the smooth progress of local development - however large or small. Free meeting facilities are available at theCouncil Offices, 4 Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. (Ample car parking exists adjacent to the offices).
What building work is covered by the Building Regulations?
The Building Regulations cover building work as defined in Regulation 3 of the regulations. This means that if you want to put up a new building, extend or alter an existing one, or provide fittings in a building such as drains or heat-producing appliances, washing and sanitary facilities and certain hot water storage systems, the Building Regulations will probably apply. They may also apply to certain changes of use of an existing building even if building work is not intended. This is because the change of use may involve the building having to meet different requirements of the regulations.
Replacement windows, doors and rooflights, electrical safety and replacement boilers also come under the control of the Building Regulations.
It should be recognised that some work - whether controlled or not - could have implications for an adjacent property. In such circumstances it would be advisable to seek professional advice and consult the Local Authority Building Control Service. Some examples are:
N.B. Whether or not the work is controlled, due regard should, of course, be given to potential hazards arising and the need for safety precautions.
Can my neighbours object to my proposed Building Regulations application?
No. But whilst there is no requirement in the Building Regulations to consult neighbours, it would be prudent to do so. In any event, you should be careful that the work does not encroach on their property since this could lead to bad feeling and possibly an action for an injunction for the removal of the work.
Objections may be raised under other legislation, particularly if your proposal is subject to approval under the Town and Country Planning legislation or the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It should be understood that Building Regulations are a completely separate matter from planning permission and party wall legislation.
What must I do to obtain approval?
You may apply to the local authority by;
For a Full Plans application, plans need to be produced showing all constructional details and the specification of work. The plans will be thoroughly checked by the building control surveyor who is required to pass or reject your plans within certain time limits.
If the work shown on the plans complies with the Building Regulations you will be issued with an approval notice
Under the Building Notice procedure no approval notice is given. However, the advantage of this procedure is that it will allow you to carry out works without the need to prepare full plans. This is particularly useful where minor work is proposed e.g. the laying of a new drain or the insertion of a steel lintel. You must feel confident that the work will comply with the building regulations or you risk having to correct defective work at the request of the local authority.
Charges are payable to the local authority whichever procedure you decide to use. The level of charge relates to the type of work involved and is laid down by Parliament. Certain works of a specific type designed for a disabled person are exempt from charges. Your Building Control Service will advise you on the required fees which are subject to VAT.
To view charges click on the link below:
For further information contact Ellesmere Port and Neston Building Control Service on 0151 356 6688 or email Dave Burrows
Contacts and other General Advice
If you have a question about compliance with the procedural and technical aspects of Building Regulations on a specific project, you should contact your Local Authority Building Control Service on 0151 356 6688
If you have a question about general Building Regulation policies, you can contact :
Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)
4/B6 Eland House
Bressended Place
London
SW1E 5DU
If you wish to purchase Approved Documents please see: RIBA Book Shop
Should you wish to obtain copies of legislative documents
For copies of free publications:
Please see: Department for communities and local government buildings division
The Department for Communities and Local Government is responsible for building regulations, which exist principally to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings. As from 1 July 2006 guidance on the Building Regulations has been moved from the DCLG website over to the Planning Portal. Here you will find an interactive guide outlining what kinds of household development can take place around the home.
General public users and professional users can access building regulations guidance, including the Approved Documents. Informal guidance to planning permission for householder development is also available @ planningportal.gov.uk
Useful web site addresses
