Do I Need Building Control Approval?

It is generally realised that a form of permission or approval is required for building work or alterations of properties.  However, it may not always be clear how the Planning and Building Regulations approval regimes differ.

Building Control set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health for people in or about those buildings. This is done through controlling energy and fuel conservation, access, structure etc.

Planning seeks to guide the way our towns, cities and countryside develop through controlling the appearance of buildings, landscaping considerations, highway access and the impact that the development will have on the general environment. Information on Planning Permission can be found here.

For many types of building work, permission or approval under both departments (through seperate processes) will be required.  For other building work, such as internal alterations, Buildings Regulations approval may be needed, but Planning permission may not be. 

Do I Need Building Control Approval?

Many common domestic scenarios are shown on the Planning Portal Householder's Interactive Guide. 

You can also download the Government's own Building Regulations Explanatory Booklet here.

These guides give information regarding the need for Building Control Approval and Planning Permission. This is by no means an exhaustive list, therefore should you have any doubt as to whether Building Control is required, please contact us.  Information on Planning Permission can be found here.

New properties and commercial units will need Building Control approval. Alterations to commercial properties will usually require approval whereby structure, drainage or means of escape are altered, or where the use of the building is changed (such as conversion to flats.)