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Building regulations and how they work

This web-page has been designed as a basic guide to the Building Regulations and how they work. Clearly building law can be somewhat complicated, and as such a conscious effort has been made to reduce the number of references to specific legal requirements.

How we can help

Local Knowledge

We have extensive knowledge of local conditions and problems.

Advice

We offer advice and assistance from design to completion.

One Stop Shop

We provide close links with other Council experts and Fire Safety Officers.

Same Day Service

We will carry out site inspections on the same day if the request is made to the Council before 10am.

Impartiality

We are completely impartial. We aim to give a prompt, efficient and courteous service.

Peace of Mind

Completion Certificates are automatically sent out once all works have been satisfactorily inspected and completed.

In the process of development, whether it is the erection of a new building, extending or altering an existing building, or changing the way a building is used, you will normally need to seek Building Regulation approval and possibly Planning approval.

Planning approval establishes that the building or proposed use of land is acceptable in principal. Building regulations specifically relate to the technical aspects of construction and cover such matters as structural stability, fire resistance, means of escape, disabled access, weather resistance, thermal insulation, drainage etc. etc.

Building Control is the part of Development Services which ensures that buildings are constructed and altered so that they comply with the Building Regulations, that dangerous structures are made safe and that demolitions are done in as safe as manner as possible.

The purpose of the regulations is to protect the health and safety of people in or around buildings. They also deal with conserving energy and with access and facilities for disabled people.

Building Control surveyors manage the Building Regulations. Our highly qualified and experienced teams of Building Control surveyors examine and comment on plans for developments and inspect work that is in progress. Their wide knowledge of materials and building methods is available to you at all stages of the building process. Before you carry out building work, you or your agent (i.e. architect, builder or surveyor) must advice the Building Control Services by submitting FULL PLANS for approval or through the BUILDING NOTICE procedure.

Other services provided

As well as managing the Building Regulations, our surveyors also carry out the task of dealing with dangerous buildings and structures.