BUILDING REGULATIONS APPROVAL

At AMP Architectural Services we offer a full design service for construction works requiring Building Regulation Approval. We are always available to meet clients face to face and discuss their options and proposals for construction works. Once a scheme is agreed we can complete and submit full plans and calculations on the client's behalf and act as agents during the Building Regulation decision making process.

WHAT ARE BUILDING REGULATIONS?

The Building Regulations are a set of rules made up under powers provided in the Building Act 1984, and apply in England and Wales. The purpose of the Building Regulations is to ensure the Health and Safety in and around all types of buildings (domestic, commercial and industrial). Essentially they contain definitions and procedures to set out what is expected in terms of the technical performance of a building.

DO I NEED BUILDING REGULATIONS FOR MY PROJECT?

Building Regulations do apply to the following major construction works: New dwelling or any other type of building, Extension to a building, Garage extension to a home, Garage conversion to form habitable use Internal alterations (e.g. removal of load-bearing wall), Replacing one or more windows, and Underpinning. Building regulations do not apply to the following: Greenhouse or small detached shed, Detached garage under 30m(sq) floor area , no less than 1.0m from boundary of the property, Minor building repairs, Replacing glass or broken parts of a window frame, A porch or conservatory under 30m(sq) floor area. However you should always consult either one of our staff or your local Building Control office to check whether your project is subject to Building Regulations approval, prior to commencing works.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FULL PLANNING APPLICATION AND A BUILDING NOTICE?

• A Building Notice is designed to allow some types of building work to get under way quickly and is best suited to small, simple works. Once a building notice is given, work will be inspected on site progresses and the client will be advised if details do not comply or if further information is required (e.g. structural calculations). If a person decides to use this procedure they need to be confident that all works comply with Building Regulations as Local Authorities can insist that you correct any works that are deemed unsatisfactory.
• A Full Plans Application is more suited to medium-large scale construction works and should contain plans and other information showing all construction details, preferably well in advance of commencement on site. Your local authority will check the plans and consult any appropriate authorities. They must complete the procedure and issue you with a decision within a maximum of 2 months from the date of deposit of plans.Your local authority should carry out ongoing inspections of the construction work and will issue a Completion Certificate once all works have been carried out to their satisfaction.

DO I HAVE TO PAY THE LOCAL AUTHORITY FOR THESE SERVICES?

Yes. The local authority will charge separately for checking any deposited plans and for inspections of works on site. The cost of these services varies depending on the scale of the project and the service required. Clients should however consult their local authority for exact details of charges prior to submission of plans.