Latest Building regulations FAQs from Warwick District Council.

What can I do if there are builders making noise?

Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:29:08 +0100

Question: What can I do if there are builders working until late at night or making noise?

Answer:

You will need to contact the Environmental Health Department on 01926 456741.

What can I do if a building/structure is dangerous?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:41:19 +0000

Question: What can I do if a building/structure is dangerous?

Answer:

If you are concerned that a structure, building or part of a building may be dangerous you can contact the Building Control section at any time. In the interest of public safety a senior building control officer is on call 24 hours a day every day of the year to give attention to dangerous structures. We will always aim to respond within 2 hours of notification of such a structure.

To notify us of a dangerous building please call us on:

01926 456543 during office hours (8:45am - 5:15pm) or 07881 787528 out of office hours

For more information see our page relating to dangerous structures.

Related Links

Dangerous structures

What permission do I need to demolish a building/part of a building?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:40:27 +0000

Question: What permission do I need to demolish a building/part of a building?

Answer: In all cases you much check whether planning permission or listed building consent is required.

Where it is intended to demolish a building, it is necessary for notice to be given to the Building Control section under the Building Act 1984 section 80, unless the Building is exempt. Exempt buildings include:

An internal part of an occupied building
A building less than 50 cubic metres externally
Part of a larger building that consists of an attached conservatory, shed, greenhouse or garage
A building used solely for agricultural purposes.

Related links

Demolitions

How do I make a Building Regulations application?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:38:20 +0000

Question: How do I make a Building Regulations application?

Answer:

You can download the application form and details of our fee charges directly from the website. Alternatively, you can obtain copies telephone Building Control on 01926 456551, or email buildingcontrol@warwickdc.gov.uk.

Related Links

Application form

How do I arrange an inspection?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:37:26 +0000

Question: How do I arrange an inspection?

Answer:

To arrange a visit from the Building Inspector, you can phone Building Control, or book an inspection directly yourself using the link below. If you call before 10:30am on a weekday we can come out the same day. We are normally able to come at a time to suit.

Related Links

Do I need approval to carry out repairs to my house, shop or office?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:36:10 +0000

Question: Do I need approval to carry out repairs to my house, shop or office?

Answer:

Generally not if the repairs are small, e.g. replacing glass in broken window, replacing floor boards etc.

For larger repairs an application may be required, e.g. recovering a flat roof, re-roofing, rebuilding walls, underpinning, replacing windows, replacing boilers etc.

The best way to check if an application is required is to contact building control.

Related Links

Contact building control

What happens if I do work without approval?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:35:22 +0000

Question: What happens if I do work without approval?

Answer:

The Council has to see that building work complies with regulations. If the work does not comply, you may be asked to alter or remove it. If you fail to do this, the Council may serve a notice requiring you to do so.

There are also penalties for contravening the regulations which can be applied by the courts. A fine of up to £5000 can be applied for each contravention.

If you have carried out unauthorised building work to your property, you may find that your insurance is invalid. Work without an application is normally revealed when you come to sell your property and can cause serious difficulties and even prevent sale.

It is now possible for work carried out without an application to be made legal. We would recommend you contact us to discuss any such work, and we will offer advice.

Related Links

Contact building control

What can I do if my 'full plans' application is rejected?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:34:36 +0000

Question: What can I do if my 'full plans' application is rejected?

Answer:

You may resubmit amended plans. These will be treated as a new application. As long as the scheme is substantially the same, there will be no further fee to pay.

It is usually worth while contacting the building control officer who checked the plans, for further advice.

Related Links

Contact Building Control

What can I do if someone appears to be building without permission?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:33:33 +0000

Question: What can I do if someone appears to be building without permission?

Answer:

If someone appears to be carrying out building work without a building regulations application (for which one is required) you may report it to us using our web form below. Alternatively you may contact a building control officer to discuss the matter.

Please be mindful that some types of building work do not require building regulations, and some do not require planning permission.

Related Links

Can my neighbours comment on my application?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:32:43 +0000

Question: Can my neighbours comment on my application?

Answer:

No, but they can report in confidence if they believe a contravention of the regulations has occurred. However, members of the public can comment on a planning application.

If the building work is being carried out to, alongside, or near the boundary, you should look at the link below regarding the Party Wall Act.

Related Links

When can I start work?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:31:07 +0000

Question: When can I start work?

Answer:

If you are planning to start building work which requires a building regulations application, you may only do so after submitting a valid application. If you have submitted a 'full plans' application you do not have to wait for the plans to be approved, although you proceed at your own risk - there may be something wrong with the plans. If your 'full plans' application has been rejected, you may still start work, but be aware that there are elements of the plan which contravene the regulations. These items need to be addressed.

Once a building notice has been accepted or a full plans application has had a decision you have up to 3 years to start the work.

On commencement of works, the applicant must contact building control to arrange an inspection. Further contact must be made at all relevant stages through until completion to allow further inspections.

Starting work before an application has been submitted is a contravention of the regulations, and the building owner could be prosecuted.

Related Links

Contact building control

What is the difference between a 'Building Notice' and a 'Full Plans' application?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:30:19 +0000

Question: What is the difference between a 'Building Notice' and a 'Full Plans' application?

Answer:

There are two types of building regulations application. Both cost the same in total. Both use the same application form. A 'building notice' application is where the form and fee are submitted without plans. This can be only used for domestic dwellings. A full plans application is where copies of the plans are also submitted, to allow the inspectors to check whether they comply with the building regulations and either approve or reject them.

We have a page which explains in detail the difference. See the link below. If in doubt please contact building control.

Related Links

Do I need building regulations approval for a loft conversion?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:29:24 +0000

Question: Do I need building regulations approval for a loft conversion?

Answer:

Yes, in all cases an application will be required. You may also require planning permission.

Related Links

Do I need Building Regulations approval to convert my garage?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:28:36 +0000

Question: Do I need Building Regulations approval to convert my garage?

Answer:

To convert a garage into heated habitable space requires a Building Regulations application.

With a detached garage up to 30 square metres floor area, you may convert it without an application as long as it will contain no sleeping accommodation.

Related Links

Contact building control

Do I need Building Regulations approval to change my windows?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:27:09 +0000

Question: Do I need Building Regulations approval to change my windows?

Answer:

Since April 2002, all replacement glazing has been controlled by the Building Regulations. That means anyone who installs replacement windows or doors has to comply with strict thermal performances. (Just replacing glass in an existing frame is exempt).

If the person installing the new glazing is a member of FENSA or CERTASS then no application is required. If the fitter is not a member, then a Building Regulations application will be required.

If the windows being replaced are in an exempt building/part of a building then they are not controlled by the building regulations, e.g. replacing windows in a conservatory or porch.

In some instances Planning Permission may be required, e.g. in listed buildings.

If you are unsure, please contact Building Control for more information.

Related Links

Contact Building Control

Do I need Building Regulations approval to build a garage/shed?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:26:04 +0000

Question: Do I need Building Regulations approval to build a garage/shed?

Answer:

Yes, unless the garage is detached, less than 30 square metres floor area and either built of mainly non-combustible material or located at least 1 metre from the boundary.

This advice applies equally to other small detached buildings, e.g. a shed, workshop, greenhouse, summerhouse etc.

You may still require planning permission. In all cases, if you are in doubt, contact Building Control for clarification.

Related Links

Contact Building Control

Do I need Building Regulations approval for an extension?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:25:07 +0000

Question: Do I need Building Regulations approval for an extension?

Answer:

Yes, and you may also require planning permission. However there are a few categories of extension, which do not require building regulations approval. These are;

1. A conservatory attached to a dwelling, less than 30 square metres floor area, which has at least 75% of roof area glazed and at least 50% of external wall area glazed, being separated from the dwelling with external quality windows/doors, glazing in critical locations should be toughened/laminated, and any heating should have independent controls.

2. A porch which is less than 30 square metres and separated from the habitable parts of the dwelling by external quality windows / doors. It should be used for no other purpose.

3. Car ports which are open on at least two sides. The ends can be counted as sides and doors/windows are allowed between the house and carport (less than 30 square metres floor area).

4. A covered yard or covered way (less than 30 square metres floor area).

In all cases, if you are unsure, please contact Building Control for clarification.

Related Links

What is 'change of use'?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:22:47 +0000

Question: What is 'change of use'?

Answer:

Below is the technical answer directly from the Building Regulations. We realise that this may perhaps be rather confusing. If you are still unsure, please contact Building Control.

There is a material change of use where there is a change in the purposes for which a building is
used, so that after that change-
(a)the building is used as a dwelling, where previously it was not;
(b)the building contains a flat, where previously it did not;
(c)the building is used as an hotel or boarding house, where previously it was
not;
(d)the building is used as an institution, where previously it was not;
(e)the building is used as a public building, where previously it was not;
(f)the building is not a building described in Classes I to VI in Schedule 2,where previously it was:
(g)the building, which contains at least one dwelling, contains a greater or lesser number of dwellings than it did previously.

Related Links

Contact Building Control

When do I need Building Regulations approval?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:20:48 +0000

Question: When do I need Building Regulations approval?

Answer:

See - Do I need building regulations?

Is Building Regulation approval the same as Planning Permission?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:18:51 +0000

Question: Is Building Regulation approval the same as Planning Permission?

Answer:

In order to carry out building work, it is advisable to check if you need building regulation approval or planning permission or both.

Building regulations approval and planning permission are two very different and separate processes. You may need to apply for both separately.

Building regulation approval is concerned with how buildings are actually constructed.

Planning permission is concerned with development and use of land and regulates this in the public interest. The appearance of a development and how it will impact on neighbouring developments and the environment are important considerations.

Related Links

How much does a building regulations application cost?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:17:36 +0000

Question: How much does a building regulations application cost?

Answer:

To find out the current cost of a Building Regulations application, please download a copy of our application form. If you are unsure of the correct fees or would like further advice, please feel free to contact us directly to speak to a Building Control Officer.

Related Links

Contact Building Control

Where can I get a copy of the building regulations?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 10:59:41 +0000

Question: Where can I get a copy of the building regulations?

Answer:

The regulations and approved documents

What are the Building Regulations?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 10:58:07 +0000

Question: What are the Building Regulations?

Answer:

The Building Regulations exist to ensure the health and safety of people in and around all types of buildings (ie domestic, commercial and industrial). They also cover energy conservation, and access to and use of buildings. The regulations apply to most new buildings and many alterations of existing buildings in England and Wales, whether domestic, commercial or industrial.

Building Regulations control:-

Standards for most aspects of a building's construction, including its structure, fire safety, sound insulation, drainage, ventilation and electrical safety.

Energy efficiency in buildings.

The needs of all people including those with disabilities. They set standards for buildings to be accessible and hazard-free wherever possible

Related Links

Building regulations at Warwick District Council