|
Building Regulations and Control
In order to protect the public and the environment a variety of laws exist that control planning and the control of all building projects.
All building projects, whether new build or home extension and improvement will normally require some kind of permission from the local building control department. Some will require full planning permission while others will just need to satisfy current building regulations. The regulations are very comprehensive and cover the types of material, method of construction, energy efficiency and safety. Where the regulations apply, mandatory site inspections are required.
Planning regulations exist to look after the environment in the interests of the general public and is design not to favour one persons interests over those of another. Disputes around planning can often be involved and lengthy, resulting in mulitple appeals and amendments where plans are initially rejected. If building work goes ahead without the required planning permission, then expensive modification can be enforced and in the worst cases the whole project may need to be taken down.
Many local authorities now publish all of their planning applications, related documents and decisions online, resulting in a very transparent process. This is much more advanced when compared to older processes where the public had to look out for posted notices, entries in local newspapers and were required to visit local authority offices in order to view planning applicatons.
Local authorities also publish clearly the method of acquiring planning permission and are bound by law to provide the applicant with a decision within five full weeks of the application.
Certain types of work do not require planning permission. These are called permitted development rights and the exact projects which fall into this category can be advised by your building surveyor or architect.
|
QUICK LINKS
