1. Building Regulations Approval

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01903 221065

planning@worthing.gov.uk

Technical Guidance Note 1: Building Regulations Approval

Introduction

This guidance note is intended to provide an introduction to Building Control and the Building Regulations.  It is not an authoritative statement of the law but it is designed to help you understand the system.

Any building project may be subject to other statutory controls or require other consents such as Planning permission.

If you need explanation or guidance Worthing Borough Council's Building Control Group will be pleased to help.

What Are The Building Regulations?

The Building Act 1984 is the enabling Act under which the Building Regulations have been made.
Building Regulations promote:

• Standards for most aspects of a building's construction, including its structure, fire safety, sound   insulation, drainage, ventilation and electrical safety. Electrical safety was added in January 2005 to reduce the number of deaths, injuries and fires caused by faulty electrical installations.
• Energy efficiency in buildings. The changes to the regulations on energy conservation, into effect on 6 April 2006, will save a million tonnes of carbon per year by 2010 and help to combat climate change.
• The needs of all people, including those with disabilities, in accessing and moving around buildings. They set standards for buildings to be accessible and hazard-free wherever possible.

Building Regulations are legislated by Parliament and are a national standard.  Worthing Borough Council's Building Control Group will ensure that any design and building operations are carried out in accordance with these Regulations.

What Do The Building Regulations Cover?

The requirements of the Building Regulations are divided into the following headings:

A. Structure
    
B. Fire Safety
    
C. Site Preparation & Resistance To Contaminants and Moisture
    
D. Toxic Substances
    
E. Resistance to the Passage of Sound
    
F. Ventilation
    
G. Hygiene

          H. Drainage and Waste Disposal
    
          J. Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems
    
          K . Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact
    
          L1A. Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings

          L1B . Conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings

          L2A. Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings other than dwellings

          L2B. Conservation of fuel and power in existing buildings other than dwellings
    
          M. Access to and use of buildings
    
          N. Glazing - Safety in relation to Impact, Opening and Cleaning

          P. Electrical safety - dwellings

To view any approved document just click on the appropriate letter above.

Do I need Building Regulations Approval if I intend to: 

 
1. Construct a new building
      
      
2. Extend or alter an existing building, or
      
      
3. Provide fittings such as drains or heat producing appliances

the Building Regulations will probably apply.  They may also apply if you wish to put an existing building to a different use.  If the Regulations apply you must submit a Building Regulations application.

The questions and answers below will help you to decide whether or not you need to make a Building Regulation application, although this is by no means an exhaustive list and if you are in any doubt please contact us.

Do I need Approval to build an extension to my house?

Yes. But a  porch or conservatory with a translucent roof, i.e. glass or PVC, under 30 square metres in floor area may be exempt (Please ask for details).

Do I need Approval to make internal alterations within my house? Yes. If the alterations are of a structural nature such as the removal, or part removal of load-bearing construction, i.e. a wall, joist, beam or chimney breast.  Any alteration that affects the means of escape in case of fire will require an application.

Do I need Approval to install replacement windows in my house? Yes (Unless the installer is FENSA registered).

The thermal performance of replacement windows is now controlled. 

Replacing a window may also create a structural alteration, or affect the means of escape in case of fire.  Replacement windows may also require the benefit of a Planning application.

For further information please see Guidance Note 11 - Replacement Windows

Do I need Approval to carry out repairs to my house?

 
• If the repair consists of removing a major part of a wall and rebuilding it - YES
      
     
• If the repairs are of a minor nature and you are replacing like for like – NO unless the work is to a Thermal Element

In the Regulations a 'Thermal Element' means a wall, floor or roof (but does not include windows, doors, roof-lights) which separates a thermally conditioned part of the building (‘the conditioned space’) from:

a. the external environment (including the ground); or

b. in the case of floors and walls, another part of the building which is:

    i. Unconditioned;

    ii. an extension falling within class VII of Schedule 2; or

    iii. where this paragraph applies, conditioned to a different temperature,

and includes all parts of the element between the surface bounding the conditioned space and the external environment or other part of the building as the case may be.

For further information on Thermal Elements see Table A1 of Approved Document L1B  click on the link below to view Document L1B:
L 1B

Do I need Approval to install a rooflight? Yes

Do I need Approval to convert my house into flats? Yes

Do I need Approval to convert flats back into a house? Yes

Do I need Approval to install fittings and appliances within my house?

 
1. Yes - To install or alter the position of a bath, basin or WC (if the work involves new drainage or plumbing).
      
      
2. Yes - To install or alter the position of a heating appliance (for a gas, oil or solid fuel type appliance unless it is a gas appliance installed by a CORGI registered engineer).
      
      
3. Yes - To install hot water storage (if the system is unvented  i.e. is under direct mains pressure).

Do I need Approval to install or replace electrical wiring? Yes.

See Technical Guidance Note 32: Part P - Electrical Safety

Do I need Approval to insert Cavity Wall Insulation? Yes

Please note that this guidance note relates solely to Building Regulations approval, you may also need Planning permission.

Details can be obtained from the Development Control Group on (01903) 221353 / 221354.

If you wish to submit a Building Regulation application or have any doubts whatsoever please do not hesitate to contact:
 
  Building Control Group
  Planning Section
  Portland House
  Richmond Road
  Worthing
  West Sussex
  BN11 lLF
 
  Tel: 01903 221344
 
  E-mail: building.control@worthing.gov.uk
 
  Minicom: 01903 204500
 
  Fax: 01903 207365
 
  Answerphone: 01903 214034

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