Level of service - medium and major developments

Introduction

The Building Regulations exist to secure the health and safety of building users, promote energy efficiency and enable inclusive access to buildings for all people. These are all highly important objectives. The role of building control is to help ensure that the relevant building work accords with those objectives.

The building control service administered by Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council strives to be effective in the interest of building users and also minimise cost and delay for those carrying out building work.

This Customer Charter illustrates how the building control service will work to achieve effective and efficient levels of service.

Advice

Pre-application advice will be available, following agreement that the application will be deposited eith EPNBC.
A charge may apply for this service but will be subtracted from the plan examination fee following submission of the application.
We will facilitate a Partnering arrangement with an individual local authority at the request of the developer that will be supported by a regional network as necessary.
We will nominate a case officer to deal with the project from conception through to completion.
We will facilitate in liaising with other organisations and agencies related to the development, including council departments, Fire Service and other statutory undertakers, throughout the life of the project.
Local sites histories and knowledge will be made available to the developer if available. e.g. public sewer, positions, bad ground and landfill, general sub-soil conditions, etc.

Plans stage

We welcome early discussion on appropriate charges and give positive consideration to requests for staged payments.
Electronic submission of building regulation applications is available via the Submit-a-Plan web site.
On-line payment of application charges available.
We aim to acknowledge receipt and validate all applications within two working days.
We will examine all deposited plans as speedily as possible and involve the applicant ( or appointed agent) throughout the process.
We will approve all applications where the design team has clearly demonstrated that the requirements have been met. Staged or conditional approvals may be used where appropriate.
We will provide advice as to the requirements of the regulations.

Site inspection

An inspection framework can be arranged prior to work commencing.
It is expected that statutory notifications will be received within the prescribed periods. However, we will endeavour to carry out inspections requested before 9.30 a.m. on that day.
Notice of commencement of work shall be in writing.
Inspections can be arranged by telephone, email or fax.
Completion Certificates will be provided on all Full Plans applications, where appropriate.
The project officer will be available for site meetings by arrangement.
The Building Control Surveyor will maintain clear and accurate records of the development.

General

Information relating to building control will be available to all developers and members of the public via the Councils web site.
Immediate access the the Building Control Manager is available to discuss and resolve site problems and maintain continuity of the development process.
We can approve house type designs via the Local Authority National Type Approval Scheme.
The service will organise 'user' forums to assist architects/design agents and builders understand more fully the requirements of the building regulations.
Regular 3-monthly bulletins are despatched to all local architects/designers and building contractors to inform them of changes and development in Building Control Services.
The local authority is an integral member of the Cheshire Districts annual 'Built-in-Quality Awards'. The awards recognise excellant construction techniques and customer satisfaction. Nominations are made throughout the course of the year.
Housing developers have access to the LABC New Home Warranty. The warranty covers speculatively built residectial housing, social housing and self-build. It also includes conversion projects and mixed-use developments.

Issued by your Building Control Service at Ellesmere Port & Neston
Borough Council Tel: 0151 356 6688 Fax : 0151 356 6689

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Level of service - medium and major developments