Building control frequently asked questions
What are the Building Regulations?
They are standards of performance laid down by government, dealing with the construction of buildings and installation of some services.
Is Planning Approval the same as Building Control Approval?
No - planning deals with issues such as aesthetics, impact on the environment, traffic, neighbour notification etc. Building control is concerned with health and safety issues, energy conservation and disabled access and use of buildings.
Do I need both approvals?
In most cases approval is required from both Building Control and Planning but some minor works may be permitted development under planning law and/or exempt from Building Regulations. It is advisable to check with ourselves for building control issues and your council’s planning service before proceeding.
Planning issues in Blackburn with Darwen can be raised by contacting the team on 01254 585585 or through the website http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/planning
Planning issues in the Burnley
area can be raised by contacting the team on 01282 664706 or through the website http://www.burnley.gov.uk/planning
Do I need building regulations to make alterations to my home or business premises?
Yes, you may need building regulations approval to carry out alterations to your building, for further information please visit ‘do I need permission’ or contact us.
Do I need to pay a fee to obtain building regulations approval?
Yes, there are a variety of charges payable to obtain building regulations approval, the fee will depend on the type of work you wish to carry out. An exemption applies for disabled works only. View our scale of fees.
How long does the application process take?
Our aim is to check all applications within 10 days however, there is a period of 5 weeks with a further extension (if agreed) of up to 2 months after which a decision must be made.
Once I have submitted an application when can I start work?
We always recommend that you only start work once your plans have been approved or the Building Notice has been formally accepted and acknowledged. You can start before plans are approved if you want to, but whatever the circumstances, you or your builder must give us two working days notice of your intention to start work.
Does my neighbour have the right to object to my Building Regulation Application?
No, there is no requirement in the Building Regulations to consult with neighbours, although it would be courteous for you to do so.
Objections may be raised under other legislation if your proposal requires Planning Permission or if you are carrying out work to which The Party Wall Act applies.
The building regulations rely on approved documents where can I obtain a copy?
The Local Government & Communities department makes certain documents available to read and or print on their website. For further information visit their website.
I am concerned that a building is unsafe, and or dangerous, what should I do?
You need to contact the building control section from Mon to Fri, 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Out of office hours telephone emergency number operates and this is: 07970 841192.
To help us respond effectively to your report of an unsafe or dangerous building please have the following information available:
For further information please see Dangerous buildings
Do I need to make an application to install replacement windows?
Yes, as from 1 April 2002 replacement windows are now classed as building works. There are two ways you can comply with this:
a) submit an application to the council
b) use an installer who is registered with FENSA. More information is available on the Fensa website.
What if work has been carried out on my property without a Building regulations application being submitted?
Work carried out without an application submitted is classed as illegal until a Regularisation application is made. This can be issued on all works, as far back as 1985, and will provide the applicant with a formal certificate that can be produced if the property is sold. Contact the building control team for more information.
How long are plans valid for?
When plans are approved, the work must start within 3 years (from the date of submission of the application) or if not commenced a new approval must be obtained.
What is a Completion Certificate?
This is an official document issued when a satisfactory final inspection has been made by a building control officer. Keep the certificate in a safe place as you will need it when you sell your property to prove work was carried out to the satisfaction of the building control department of the council.
If I submit a Building Notice will the Building Control Officer tell me how to carry out the work?
No, whilst we are always willing to give advice you should not expect to use the Building Control Officer as a substitute for an Architect or Designer. If you or your builder does not have a good knowledge of all relevant Building Regulations we would strongly advise that you use the Full Plans procedure rather than the Building Notice procedure.