8. Code of Practice For Building Regulations Applications

Introduction

This Code of Practice has been prepared to advise applicants of their expectations and obligations when submitting Applications and Notices for Building Regulation consideration. It will also assist the Council in achieving the objectives of the adopted Building Control Policy and will, through monitoring, help maintain the quality of service given by the Building Control Group.

Discussions prior to the formal submission of an application

We  will:- 

• Where workload permits, enter into discussions and negotiations (in conjunction with allied Authorities where necessary) with prospective applicants for Full Plans approval to enable formal submissions to be more readily processed.

Registration

Full Plans Applications – Where Full Information Is Provided

We  will:- 

• register each application within 2 working days of receipt, provided it is accompanied by the correct fee and is complete (as set out in the notes on the Application Form);
  
  
• confirm registration of the application in writing within 2 working days of registration and give the name of the officer who will be dealing with the application, the officer's telephone extension and the reference number which has been allocated to the application. A receipt for the fee will also be issued at this stage.

Full Plans Applications – Where Full Information Is Not Provided

We will:-

• give advice to applicants who submit incomplete applications, to clarify what information or what fee is necessary for registration, within 5 working days of receipt;
  
  
• allow applicants up to 14 days to submit the information or fee that is necessary for registration. If applicants need more time to submit the extra information or fee, an additional 14 days will be given if a request is made in writing;
  
  
• return incomplete applications where no response is received to a request for further information within 16 days of that request.

Building Notice Procedure – Where Full Information Is Provided

We  will:- 

• register each Notice within 2 days of receipt provided the Notice is accompanied by the information defined in Regulation 13 of the Building Regulations 2000;
  
  
• confirm registration of the Notice in writing within 2 working days of receipt and give the name and telephone extension number of the officer who will be dealing with the works when they are commenced on site.

Building Notice Procedure – Where Full Information Is Not Provided

We will:-

• give advice to applicants who submit incomplete Notices to clarify the additional information necessary to enable the Notice to be accepted within two working days of receipt;
  
  
• allow up to 14 days to submit the necessary information to enable the Notice to be accepted. If more time is required, an additional 14 days will be given if a request is made in writing;
  
  
• return Notices where no response is received to a request for further information within 16 days of that request.

Initial Notice Procedure – Where Full Information Is Provided

'Supervision of Building Work otherwise than by Local Authorities'. 

We  will:-

• accept an Initial Notice given in the prescribed form and accompanied by prescribed plans and evidence of insurance within 5 working days of receipt of the Notice, beginning with the day on which the Notice is given.

Initial Notice Procedure – Where Full Information Is Not Provided

'Supervision of Building Work otherwise than by Local Authorities'. 

We will:-

• advise Approved Inspectors who submit incomplete Notices of the grounds of non-acceptance of the Notice (as prescribed in Section 47 of the Building Act 1984) within 5 working days of receipt of the Notice, beginning with the day on which the Notice is given.

Processing of Full Plans Applications

We will:-

• determine all Applications within 5 weeks of registration. This time period being extended to 2 months if a written request or agreement is received from the applicant;
  
  
• attempt to vet 80% of all Applications received within 10 working days of receipt;
  
  
• carry out formal consultations with the following allied statutory Authorities when applicable:-
  
  
• the Fire Authority (in accordance with the Building Regulation and Fire Safety Procedural Guidance Document published by the Department of the Environment - copy available on request);
  
  
• the Borough Council’s Environmental Health Group;
  
  
• Southern Water Services Ltd.
  
  
• the Borough Council's Development Control Group;
  
  
• the Borough Council's Conservation Officer;
  
  
• agree to consider applicants’ requests for Stage or Conditional Approval;
  
  
• agree to consider applicants’ requests for Relaxation and Dispensation of relevant requirements.

Negotiations

We  will:-

• advise the applicant in writing of those matters that do not comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations 2000 and any other allied legislation, together with a clear timescale for giving a response;
  
  
• will discuss possible methods of achieving compliance with relevant requirements;
  
  
• will enter into joint negotiations with other statutory Authorities where necessary.

Decisions

We  will:-

• issue Decision Notices within 3 working days of the date the decision is made;
  
  
• send Decision Notices to the applicant's agent, unless there is no agent, in which case, it will be sent to the applicant.

Note:Working day means any period of 24 hours commencing at midnight and excludes any Saturday, Sunday, Bank or Public Holiday.

For further information and advice please contact the:

Building Control Group
Tel: 01903 221344
Minicom: 01903 204500
E-Mail: @worthing.gov.uk

or

Visit our web site at www.worthing.gov.uk/planning

A leaflet version of this Code of Practice is available in large print from our office.

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