Hi Planners! It’s a part of the process that not many people understand so do not feel alone, BUT my fearful friends – its in fact very straightforward. Why would we reinvent the wheel when there is a great FAQ session on this local authority website here for you with a bow on it!
Building regulations – a guide Do I need building regulations approval? … to build an extension to my house? Yes. However, a porch or conservatory built at ground level and under 30m² in floor area is exempt provided that a separation remains between it and the main dwelling and the glazing complies with the safety glazing requirements of the Building Regulations (Part N). The Building Control Surveyor can supply further information on safety glazing. You should ensure that a conservatory is not constructed in such a manner that it restricts ladder access to windows serving a room in a roof or loft conversion where these are required for means of escape. You will need approval if a new opening is being formed to gain access to the conservatory. However, if any of these buildings receives its electricity from a source shared with or located inside a dwelling, you must apply for approval for that electrical work unless it is being self certified by a registered competent person. … to build or alter a garden wall or boundary wall? No. But, of course, you should make sure that the work is done safely to avoid future instability. A leaflet on safe construction of free-standing walls is available from the Council. … to build a garage extension to my house, shop or office? Yes. But a car port extension built at ground level, open on at least two sides and under 30m² in floor area, is exempt.
However, if any of these buildings receives its electricity from a source shared with or located inside a dwelling, you must apply for permission for that electrical work unless it is being self certified by a registered competent person. … to build a detached garage? Yes. But a single storey garage at ground floor level, with no sleeping accommodation, under 30m² in floor area is exempt provided either: it is constructed of substantially non-combustible material, or when built, it has a clear space of at least 1 metre from the boundaries of the property. However, if any of these buildings receives its electricity from a source shared or located inside a dwelling an application for that electrical work will be required unless it is being self certified by a registered competent person. … for a loft conversion? Yes. In all cases. Please see the Loft conversions leaflet. … to make internal alterations within my house, shop or office? Yes. If the alterations are to the structure such as the removal or part removal of a load bearing wall, joist, beam or chimney breast, or would affect fire precautions of a structural nature either inside or outside your house. You also need approval if, in altering a house, work is necessary to the drainage system or to maintain the means of escape in case of fire. … to install replacement windows in my house, shop or office? Yes. (see our information on Replacement Windows) You may need approval unless: the window openings are not enlarged. If a larger opening is required, or if the frames to be replaced are load bearing, then a structural alteration will take place and approval will be required you do not remove those opening windows which are necessary as means of escape or required for ventilation. … to install, alter or replace my shop front? Yes. Because there are implications relating to structure, fire and access. … to carry out repairs to my house, shop or office? No. If the repairs are of a minor nature. This includes replacing the felt to a flat roof, re-pointing and replacing floorboards. Yes. If the repair consists of more major works including underpinning. In the case of re-roofing works – approval under Building Regulations will be required. … to convert my house into flats? Yes. This is a material change of use. Such works may also come within the provisions of the Housing Act 1985 – Houses in Multiple Occupation. Further information can be obtained from H.M.O. Owners Handbook available from Environmental Health and Trading Standards See also leaflet No.15 – Flat conversions. … to convert my house to a shop or office? No. If you are not proposing any building work to make the change. Where building work is proposed you probably will need approval if it affects the structure or means of escape in case of fire.