Building Control

Introduction

LABC logoMany people misunderstand the relationship between the Town and Country Planning Act and Building Regulations. Most building operations such as new buildings, extensions or alterations require approval under both sets of legislation. However some only require approval under one and some require no approval at all. Below is more information to help explain this. If you are unsure if permission will be required you can contact us on 0115 901 3740 or email buildingcontrol@gedling.gov.uk.

This introduction gives an insight into the requirements of the Building Regulations 2000 and the Building Act 1984, the main legislative document under which they operate.

Town and Country Planning is concerned with land use allocations, the relationships of new and existing buildings and with aesthetics. Building Regulations cover the health, safety and welfare of people in or about buildings; the conservation of energy and access for disabled persons. New buildings, alterations and extensions, the fitting of certain works and fittings and changes in the use of buildings all generally require approval under the Building Regulations.

We also have an enquiry questionnaire that we recommend you complete even if the work will be exempt. We respond to the enquiry in writing usually within 10 days and should you sell your property at a later date our response is evidence that no permissions were required.

Conservatory Scaffold

What is Building Work?

For the purpose of the Building Regulations ‘building work’ means:-

  1. The erection or extension of a building.
  2. An alteration to a building.
  3. The provision, extension or alteration of a controlled service or fitting.
  4. A material change of use of a building, or part of a building.
  5. Work involving the underpinning of a building.
  6. The insertion of insulating material into the cavity wall of a building.

Development Team Meeting

What to do if the work you propose requires Building Regulations approval?

There are two procedures:-

Deposit Full Plans Submission

There are two stages to this procedure:
  1. First, the submission of plans that are checked by the local authority to ensure that the proposed scheme will satisfy the Regulations. For larger schemes, the Building Control Surveyor will ideally be involved with the architect at the early stages of design, long before the application is made. Pre-submission meetings are positively encouraged.
  2. The second stage is the inspection and control of work on the site by the Building Control Surveyor.  Certain stages of work must be inspected and the builder is required to give notice to the local authority.  Many other inspections can be carried out to ensure that the work on site complies with the approved plans and the regulations.

To improve communication, officers now have mobile phones. If you need an inspection call Building Control . If they are not in the office your message will be relayed by telephone to the building control surveyor who is looking after your site. Our aim is to respond within 2 hours. However, this depends if other builders have already made appointments. If there is urgent need for a site visit another officer may be sent to your site.

Deposit a Building Notice (not in the case of an office or shop).

This procedure only requires the submission of site plans with the notice. Inspection and control of the work then follows as in procedure a).

Word Icon Download a copy of the Application Form (104K)

The Building Regulations are explained in a set of Approved Documents that demonstrate one method of achieving compliance with the minimum standards. The Approved Documents cover individual subjects of; structure, fire safety, site preparation and resistance to moisture, toxic substances, resistance to sound, ventilation, hygiene, drainage, heating appliances, protection from falling, conservation of fuel and power, access for disabled and glazing.

Building Control Charges

A charge is made to cover the costs of ensuring that the work complies with the Regulations, this varies according to the type of work being carried out. The charge is the same whichever procedure you follow (Full Plans or Notice). Building Notice charges and some of the Full Plans charges are charged at deposit stage. Adaptations or extensions solely for the benefit of a disabled person are exempt from charges.

Other Services

There are a number of other services carried out by the Building Control Section as part of their duties and responsibilities. These are as follows:-

Dangerous Buildings and Structures

Damaged house These are dealt with under the Building Act 1984 and include potentially dangerous structures as well as structures that require immediate attention as often happens following gales, a traffic accident or a fire for example.

In the case of emergencies immediate action can be taken. However every effort will have been made, if practical, to contact the owner prior to this.

Above all - your safety is our concern! Should you see anything that is potentially dangerous please contact us

Demolition

Collapsed building If a building is to be demolished, a notice has to be given to the local authority. This gives the Building Control Section the chance to talk with the person carrying out the demolition, checks can be made to ensure that the site is properly enclosed by a hoarding or whatever is necessary for the safety of the public. Public utilities will also be notified to cut off water, gas and electricity services.  It is a requirement of the Construction & Design Management Regulations 1994 that a Method Statement and Risk Assessment is carried out for all demolition work, a copy of this should accompany the demolition notice

Word Icon Download a copy of the Demolition Application Form (36K)

Street Naming and Numbering

Pearson Court, Daybrook Where new developments are built involving new streets, street names are decided by the Building Control Section through the Planning Sub-Committee of the Council.  The choice of street names is a matter for careful consideration to ensure the names are acceptable, in keeping with the area, and do not conflict with or duplicate existing streets in the locality.  The Post Office and other public utilities are always consulted as it is obvious that emergency services need to be fully aware of where new streets are located. Suggestions for street names are sought from developers and Parish Councils.

The numbering of premises in a street is also the responsibility of the Building Control Section.

Scaffolds on the Highway (Highways Act Section 169)

Since April 1st 2005 the Highways Agency has been returned to the County Council and is no longer administered by Building Control.  If scaffolding is erected on the highway (including pavements) it will be necessary to contact Nottinghamshire County Council's Highways Helpline on 0115 9773377. The site will be checked, a permit issued and the safety of the scaffold checked and monitored. A charge is  made for this permission.

The link below will take you to the relevant page on the County Council website to make an application.

www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/scaffolding.htm

Access for Disabled People

Shopmobility UsersEnsuring that all new buildings can be fully and easily used by all sections of the community is an important aspect of the Building Regulations.

In addition to the statutory requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations, Gedling Borough Council also have a Building Control Specialist who can offer advice to owners of existing buildings to improve access for disabled people. There are many aspects of a building to be considered. Some of the features which should be borne in mind by designers are listed below:-

How to contact Building Control

Address

Building Control
Planning & Environment
Gedling Borough Council
Civic Centre
Arnot Hill Park
Nottingham Road
Arnold
NG5 6LU

Telephone

(0115) 9013740

Fax

(0115) 9013758

Email

buildingcontrol@gedling.gov.uk.

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