BUILDING REGULATIONS

Whether or not planning permission is required, anyone wanting to carry out building work is required by law to make sure it complies with the relevant Building Regulations. These are designed to ensure that the finished building is safe, healthy and energy efficient.

The general rule of thumb for building regulations is that if the project will affect the fabric or structure of the building then building regulations will apply. It is worth checking with your local building control department before work begins, because if building regulations do apply to your project, you must give details of the work to your local building control department at least two days before work starts on site. We will, of course, be able to give you advice about this.

If your property is listed or in a conservation area, you will need to apply for planning permission for certain types of work which do not otherwise need an application. Check with your local planning office at the outset. A listed building will also need Listed Building Consent for any work, inside or out, that affects its character or setting. Altering a listed building without consent is a criminal offence, so seek professional advice from an architect, surveyor or builder specialising in old buildings and consult your local planning or conservation officer before making any plans.

If you live in England and Wales, your local council’s Building Control department will tell you whether you need Building Regulations approval and how to apply.

For more information visit:
www.labc.uk.com/site/index.php or contact your local Council

Leeds City Council’s Building Control departments can be found here http://www.leeds.gov.uk/council/Pages/Building-control.aspx