Do I need building regulations approval?
Building regulations dictate the design and construction of buildings as well as the provision of services, fittings and equipment. They are the minimum standards laid down by the government.
Our Building Control service oversees the regulations set out in the Building Act 1984 and other relevant building legislation.
Before starting any building works you might need to get either planning permission or building regulations approval, or both.
Not all building projects need building regulations approval. The Planning Portal website contains comprehensive information regarding all aspects of Building Regulations (and Planning Permission).
The Interactive house provides a useful tool to determine whether permission is necessary.
The Building Regulations apply not only to the construction of new domestic and commercial buildings but also to the alteration and extension of existing buildings and upon the change of use of certain properties.
A Building Regulation explanatory booklet is available online or from the Building Control section.
The following link will be of assistance for work involving common domestic projects.
You may wish to Contact the Building Control section for details relating to your own project or if you think your proposal may comprise exempt Building work.
Going ahead without them could mean you having to pay to put things back to how they were or to fix issues to make them right.
Local Authority Building Control (LABC)
We are a member of Local Authority Building Control (LABC) services - part of a national network of Local Authority Building Control Bodies.
Various nationally based schemes are run by LABC services which greatly increases the services that individual Authorities can offer.
To find out more visit the LABC services website. Guides and other useful documents to help you understand the Building Regulations and Building Control process, together with general advice on Building Projects can be accessed on the LABC library web pages.