Is building control the same as planning permission?

Put simply, Planning Permission deals with the appearance of the proposal and the effect it will have on neighbouring properties and the general environment while Building Control deals with the technical and constructional details of building works to ensure the health and safety of people in and around the building.

Does building control check planning permission?

Submit your building regulations application

You can apply to your local building control authority in one of two ways: a) Full Plans application: For the majority of these applications the building control team will check and ‘approve’ the plans before work starts.

What is building control in planning?

The Building Control is carried out to guarantee that any new building work aligns with the building regulations. This is done by reviewing the plans and details submitted with an application and then inspecting the construction work as it progresses on site.

Do I need plans for building control?

Generally only a site plan needs to be prepared, although sometimes detailed plans and calculations are required to support the application. Plans are not checked for compliance with Building Regulations and no Approval Notice is issued.

Can I ignore building control?

The Local Authority has to see that building work complies with the Regulations. If the work does not comply, you may be asked to alter or remove it. If you fail to do this, the Local Authority may serve a notice requiring you do so within 28 days, and you will be liable for the costs.

What is the four year rule in planning?

‘THE 4 YEAR RULE’ applies to building, engineering or other works which have taken place without the benefit of planning permission, and that have remained unchallenged by enforcement action for 4 years or more. In this context one has undertaken operational development or physical works.

What happens after planning permission is granted?

Once this has occurred, the planning permission applies to the land, not the owner. That means that in most situations, you’ll be able to sell the land and the planning permission will transfer along with it to the new owner.

Why is building control important?

The Building Regulations are intended to protect people’s safety, health and welfare in and around buildings. The regulations are also designed to improve conservation of fuel and power, protect and enhance the environment and promote sustainable development.

What powers do building control officers have?

issuing approval to start building work and completion certificates. inspecting and carrying out surveys of potentially dangerous buildings. approving demolitions. keeping up to date with relevant regulations and legislation.

What is the duty of building control?

The primary function of the Building Control service is to protect people’s health and safety in the built environment. This involves, among other things, enforcing the following legislation: The Building Act 1984. The Building Regulations and other allied legislation.

What happens if you build without planning permission?

If you build without planning permission, you may not be breaking any rules. However, if there is a planning breach, you may have to submit a retrospective application or even appeal against an enforcement notice.

Can I start work without building regulations?

It is permissible to begin works before approval has been received, however, if the works are subsequently found not to comply with the building regulations, they may have to be altered or removed.

Is there a time limit on building control enforcement?

Prosecution and enforcement notices

Prosecution is possible up to two years after the completion of the offending work. This action will usually be taken against the person carrying out the work (builder, installer or main contractor).

Can you sue building control?

It may seem unfair that the local authority cannot be sued for failing to identify defects in work which their building control officers have inspected. However, it reinforces the need for property owners to make sure that they have adequate protection in place should building work prove to be defective.

Can I sell my house without building regs?

Yes, you, even if the previous owner was the one who made the building alterations. This means that if you don’t make the appropriate actions and the building regulation standards aren’t met, you can get fined or even face court proceedings.