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What Are Building Regulations?

Are you confused about the need for two sets of approval before you begin construction? We explain all

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between planning permission and approval for building regulations?

Many times, home owners, businesses, and developers of property are confused by the requirement for two types of approval from council to build their homes. Do you have a similar experience?

It is evident that building regulations approval – which is also called building control approval – are subject to different laws.

What is what is the distinction between building control application and the building control software?

Do you have to submit both of the applications required to complete your project?

This is the simplest answer The planning permission determines if the proposed development will be compatible with the national and local policies, and if it could be harmful for instance, to neighbors’ living conditions. While building control addresses the accessibility, structural and safety aspects of development as well as progress throughout the process of construction.

That’s right… When you file a planning request you’re seeking permission that allows you to proceed with development. In contrast when you submit an application under the building regulations you want the specifics of your plan verified and approved to be in conformity with the requirements of construction. This is the primary distinction between planning permissions or building regulations.

Building regulation planning and planning permission acceptance (building controls) are two different things and are separately covered by different laws. Sometimes, you will require both, but sometimes you might only require one, or none altogether. Because the legislation on planning is distinct from building control legislation, be aware that neither one of them grants consent to another.

What is the purpose of planning permission?

Planning permission regulates the way our cities, towns and rural areas develop. This covers development of the land as well as buildings as well as the appearance of buildings, landscaping concerns accessibility to highways and the impact the growth will bring to the surroundings.

It can also include but is not restricted to ensuring that the structures are constructed in the correct locations and the purpose for which they are intended of the building is a good suit for the region as well as the residents of it, and the proposed development isn’t adversely impacting the neighbors. In the case of larger developments, access to and the capability of local schools and GPs may be a significant element. This being said it is obvious that your planning approval is not limited to sketches of your plans but also contain proof that your plans will have an impact on the community in which you live.

The government has given Local planning authorities (LPAs) the authority to oversee where construction is permitted and how they use the land. Teams of development managers of LPAs manage the planning permissions applications.

Planning permission is required for all types of new developments or modifications to the way in which you use land. Conservancy areas as well as listed buildings require specific permissions. Therefore, it is best to talk to an architect prior to taking the next step.

You might be wondering if you require planning permission for your project. If you’re in doubt as to the need for approval for planning, drop us a message so that we will check for you.

How do I prepare a planning application

In submitting a plan application, it’s important to ensure that you have a complete set of forms has been completed and submitted. Drawings that are accurate in scale should be included with every application. Along with a complete set of plans and a properly filled out the application, you must include a layout statement and access statement is usually needed – even if it’s not, it’s an excellent idea.

The drawings should show the architectural elements that are included in the drawings, including windows, walls doors, rooms materials, ceiling and building the heights. A statement of design and access is required for applications for planning for a variety of developments, or changes of use to show how the design standards and policies for planning are observed.

However, here’s where things get more complicated In addition to the national government’s standards, many councils have their own local requirements in applications that are of a specific size, type or. It is essential to include all the required information in your application for planning, or else your application will not be accepted.

Planning permission is not rocket science , however it is recommended to seek out professional assistance in preparing even the most basic planning applications. Whatever your own design abilities are, a professional with experience like an architect or planner can assist you in avoiding serious mistakes and deal with the complicated technical issues associated with the application.

What is the building regulation acceptance (akabuilding approval for control)?

Building regulations that are approved (building Control) are the norms that are applied to all buildings in order to ensure the safety of those who live within or close to them. The regulations comprise a set of Approved Documents that cover specific technical issues of building work.

All building works, that is new, alteration extension, changes of usage require approval from the building regulations. Examples of where the building controls approvals are required are but aren’t limited to loft and building extension conversions, turning garages into living spaces, making specific structural modifications and installing cavity insulation altering the usage of a house, subpinning or carrying out drain work.

Every local council in England has a building control department. The council is responsible to ensure that work is in compliance with building regulations.

In lieu of obtaining permission from the local authority, you can choose to hire private inspectors to review work that requires approval under building regulations. You can choose which building control authority you choose to choose to use for your project.

Let’s take a dive…

There are two methods you can submit a building regulations approval application. One is by submitting a full plan application or by sending an official building notice. A complete plans application will include detailed drawings of building regulations, with plans and complete specifications for the construction details , along with the fee required.

You could also apply for an application for a building notice when you’re doing work on a home. Building notice applications don’t usually require complete plans or the full specification of the construction specifications.

But, you won’t get the security and assurance that a comprehensive plan could provide, as well as the entire process of ensuring your project is in compliance with building regulations before the stage of inspection on site.

If you’re remodeling your house from scratch or you are converting your home, or just expanding your property You will require an expert structural engineer in the process of preparing structural drawings, calculations , and specifications to submit your building regulations approval application.

We can assist you

Simply put the planning permission is concerned with the appearance of the plan and the impact it will affect neighbouring properties as well as the environment in general. Building regulations/building control approvals address the technical and structural aspects of building work to ensure the safety and health of the people living in and within the vicinity of the construction site.

However, one thing is certain: in the majority of cases an upcoming development, it may require planning permission as well as the approval of building regulations. This means you need to submit two separate applications, by preparing two separate forms in addition to paying the two fees required to have your application examined.

For the vast majority of the projects we tackle planning permission is the first step. This doesn’t mean, however that our team of architects does not adhere to national building regulations at this phase of our work. In fact an experienced architect keeps building regulations in the back of their minds and incorporate them into plans for application drawings. In the case of plans for building control it is then the matter of adding information and showing how the regulations are being adhered to instead of needing to drastically alter the plans that were agreed upon at the planning stage.

To ensure a smooth and easy process of approval for planning and approvals I would strongly suggest to discuss your plans with knowledgeable residential architects prior to applying for any application. Better yet working with the same architect to complete and submit your application can aid in moving your project ahead faster and more efficiently.