Tag: buildingregs

Advice Center

Everything to know about building control and building regs.

16th December 20210

What is building control? 

Firstly, local authority building control teams help people comply with the building regulations. They do this by giving feedback on plans and providing site inspections.  

What are building regulations? 

Building regulations are the legally enforceable rules describing the minimum standards to which buildings must be designed and built, with the objective of keeping people healthy and safe.  

The difference between building regs and building control –  

Many homeowners commonly don’t understand the difference between building regulations and building control. However, it is important to know the difference. So, that you are informed and are able to understand more technical conversations when it comes to your project.  

The difference between the two is that building regulations are the building standards, and building control is the function of enforcing those standards. It’s the job of a building control inspector to assess whether or not a project complies with building regulations.  

Why is building control important?  

Building regs are there to protect people’s safety, health, and welfare in and around buildings. The regulations are also designed to improve the protection of fuel and power. And also protect and enhance the environment and promote sustainable development.  

What happens if you do work without approval?  

The local authority has to see that building work complies with the regulations. If you don’t get approval, you may be asked to alter or remove it. So, if you fail to do this, the local authority may serve a notice requiring you to do so within 28 days, and you will be liable for the costs.  

If you are convicted, you may need to pay a penalty of £5,000 plus £50 for each day. In addition, if you do not fix the work the authority has the power to get the cost from you.   

How long does building control last?  

The approval of building plans lasts for three years. So, if you don’t start work in that time the local authority may serve you with a notice declaring your plans of no effect. This means you will have to submit a fresh application.  

Advice Center

Things You Need To Know About Planning And Building Regs Drawings

8th October 20210

Not many people know the difference between architectural/ planning drawings and building regulation drawings. In fact, it’s a frequently asked question. So this blog will give you all the answers.  

Planning drawings –  

Firstly, planning drawings are architectural designs. They are for planning purposes only and require manipulation when it comes to the building stage.  

They have no reference to the construction methods used. So, they contain no detail on how the building will be constructed.  

Building regulations drawings –  

These are a set of detailed plans and construction details. They are submitted to the local building control department. The designs go into much more detail than the planning application ones.  

They incorporate structural information from the engineer, insulation calculations. And proof of compliance with all the relevant parts of the building regulations.  

Here is an example of planning drawings – 

Planning Application Drawings
  • Different hatches distinguish exiting and new works 
  • Overall room dimensions only 
  • Simplified graphics 
  • No detailed information  
  • Walls illustrated as a solid hatch (no build-up information) 

As well as examples of building regs drawings –  

Extension plans, Kitchen extension, Bromsgrove
  • Fully dimensioned plans  
  • Detailed specification notes 
  • Complete construction information  
  • Full building reg compliance information  
  • Wall build-ups confirmed and illustrated 
  • Product specific details incorporated  
  • References made to other drawings   

firstly, building regulation approval is not the same as planning permission. Even though, planning permission and building regs approval (building control) are two separate pieces of legislation. Sometimes you may need both; sometimes you may need only one; or none at all.  

Most structural work, whether it’s for a new house or flats, alterations, extensions, or change of use, requires building regulations approval.  

In addition, building control is used to guarantee that any new building work complies with the building regulations. This happens by looking over plans and submitting an application. And then inspecting the construction works as it progresses on site.  

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