Building Control ...
What are Building Regulations?
- Introduction
- Do the Building Regulations apply to my project?
- Do I need Planning/Building Regulations approvals
Introduction
The Building Regulations lay down health and safety standards for the construction of all types of building work, including new build, extensions, internal alterations, underpinning, cavity wall insulation and change of use.
The 1666 Great Fire of London is very prominent in this country’s history because of the lack of control over building construction. This tragedy gave rise to District Surveyors who could control building work and consequently save lives.
The role has developed out of necessity over the centuries into the widely recognised and respected Building Control profession of today. Indeed, the Building Regulations and the Building Control Surveyors of this country are well respected around the world.
Although Local Authority Building Control is by far the largest Building Control organisation in the country, with around 4,000 staff operating from approximately 360 offices, we now operate in a healthy, competitive, open market with Approved Inspectors in the private sector.
Consequently, we do all we can to maintain the quality and efficiency of our service and to ensure customer care.
If, for whatever reason, the approved inspectors work is not completed it reverts back to the Local Authority Building Control to ensure the necessary standards are achieved to maintain health and safety in the Borough.
Do the Building Regulations apply to my project?
A Building Regulation application will be required for:-
- The erection or extension of a building
- The installation of a new wc or bathroom that involves new waste pipes or underground drainage.
- The installation of a gas or solid fuel appliance (unless the work is supervised by an approved installer).
- The conversion of a house to flats or vice-versa.
- General internal structural alterations e.g. the removal of loadbearing walls.
- Internal alterations affecting Means of Escape in case of Fire.
- Conversion of loft space in dwellings
- Replacement glazing in doors and/or windows in dwellings (unless supervised by Competent Body – FENSA)
- Fitting replacement roof coverings that are heavier/lighter in weight than the existing covering.
- Changing the use of certain buildings.
- Installation/testing of electrical installations in dwellings (unless supervised by Competent Body)
- Underpinning of foundations.
- Micro Renewables, view pdf document.
Do I need Planning/Building Regulations approvals
Contact North Tyneside Council to clarify whether Planning Permission and Building Regulation approval is required :
To receive a written reply to the above question we require an amount of detailed information about your proposals.
You must complete a Planning and Building Control Preliminary Enquiry Form.
Exemptions from the Building Regulations:
- Detached building with floor area less than 15m squared.
- Detached single storey buildings such as garages, which are not more than 30m squared floor area and positioned more than one metre from the boundary.
- A porch where the floor area does not exceed 30m squared.
- A carport open on at least two sides, and the floor area does not exceed 30m squared.
- A conservatory built at ground level with a floor area not more than 30m squared. Note any glazing must be installed using safety glass to BS 6206. Conservatory must be separated from the dwelling by a door/window.
- In addition - buildings not frequented by people, certain greenhouses and agricultural buildings dependant upon location, and temporary buildings on construction sites.
