Level of service - Small Domestic Works

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 with EPNBC.
A charge masy 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 site 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

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 apllications 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 theat the requirements have been met. Staged or conditional approvals may be used where appropriate.
We will provide advice as to the requierments of the regulations.

Site Inspection

An inspection framework can be arranged prior to work commencing.
Written notice of commencement to be provided 48 hours before work starts.
It is expected that all 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.
Inspections can be arranged by telephone, fax or other electronic means.
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 all 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 to the Building Control Manager is available to discuss and resolve site problems and maintain continuity of the development process.
The service organises '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 excellent construction techniques and customer satisfaction. Nominations are made throughout the course of the year.

A breath of fresh air

Quick Links:

Level of service - Small Domestic Works