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Service Description, Standards & FAQs for Building Control
Downloadable forms, leaflets & attachments
Downloadable Forms

• Building Regulations - Application for Building Regularisation Certificate (pdf - 162 Kb)
• Building Regulations - Installation of Replacement Windows, Rooflights and Doors (pdf - 160 Kb)
• Building Regulations - Application for Building Regulation Consent (pdf - 337 Kb)
• Building Regulations - Building notice form. (pdf - 95 Kb)
• Building Control - Demolition (Section 80) Notice (pdf - 126 Kb)
• Building Regulations - Part P Electrical Installation Certificate (pdf - 3700 Kb)
• Building Regulations - Part P Electrical Installation Certificate (Minor Works) (pdf - 1142 Kb)

• Building Control - Conservatories, porches and greenhouses (pdf - 55 Kb)
• Building Control - Information on Regularisation Certificates (pdf - 56 Kb)
• Building Control - Building Regulations for Domestic Garages (pdf - 56 Kb)
• Building Control - Building Regulations for Roofspace Conversions (pdf - 56 Kb)
• Building Control - Smoke Detectors in Dwellings (pdf - 58 Kb)
• Planning - Is Planning Permission Required? (pdf - 608 Kb)
• Building Control - Electrical Safety, Information and Guidance (174 Kb)
• Building Control - fees and charges 2008 (pdf - 134 Kb)
• Improving People's Lives Council Strategy Update 2006/07 (pdf - 1101 Kb)

• 1. Service Description



The section's primary function involves the implementation and enforcement of the Building Regulations and associated requirements made under the Building act 1984 and the Hampshire act 1983.

The following functions and service standards apply :-

1 To check Full Plans Building Regulations submission, for compliance with the Regulations.100% decisions to be made within prescribed period.

2 To carry out all statutory site inspections in connection with Building Regulations submission and ensure that work complies with the Regulations.

3 To provide 24 hour all year round cover to respond to reports of Dangerous Structures which threaten the health and safety of the public, 2 hour maximum attendance time. 

4 To respond to notices of intended demolition of dwellings and certain other buildings.100% processed within prescribed period in accordance with sect. 81 Building Act 1984.

5 Acknowledgement of all Building Notices within 48 hours of receipt.

6 Regularisation applications, 100% processed for compliance.

7 Initial Notices, 100% processed within 10 days of receipt.

8 The income generated by fee earning work shall fund the group's activity. To be calculated over a three year rolling period.

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• 1. Service Standard - 1 Acknowlegement of complete/correct Full Plans applications

1 Acknowlegement of complete/correct Full Plans applications
100% within 3 working days

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• 1. Service Standard - 2 Acknowlegement of Building Notices

2 Acknowlegement of Building Notices
100% within 48 hours

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• 1. Service Standard - 3 Vet Full Plans applications

3 Vet Full Plans applications
60% within 15 working days

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• 1. Service Standard - 4 Issue decisions on Full Plans applications

4 Issue decisions on Full Plans applications
100% within statutory period (5 weeks unless extension of time agreed, in which case 2 months).

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• 1. Service Standard - 5 Notice required for inspections (Full Plans applications and Building Notices)

5 Notice required for inspections (Full Plans applications and Building Notices)
Statutory requirement is 24 hours notice to be given for site inspections except commencement when 48 hours notice is required and completion when 7 days notice is required. We will endeavour to respond to request for same-day inspections (except for commencement and completion) if the request is received by 10.00 am

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• 1. Service Standard - 6 Respond to Dangerous Structures

6 Respond to Dangerous Structures
Within 2 hours

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• 1. Service Standard - 7 Respond to Demolition Notices

7 Respond to Demolition Notices
100% within statutory period (6 weeks)

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• 1. Service Standard - 8 Respond to Initial Notices of Approved Inspectors

8 Respond to Initial Notices of Approved Inspectors
100% within 5 working days

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• 1.1 What is the difference between Planning and Building Regulations?

Planning control ensures that proposals are appropriate in terms of land use and design. The Building Regulations ensure minimum standards of design and building work to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings, energy conservation and access and facilities for disabled people. Many proposals require both Building Regulations consent and Planning Permission. It is wise to consult both Building Control and the Planning Department before undertaking any work.

 

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• 1.2 What is the difference between the Full Plans procedure and Building Notice?

With the Full Plans procedure, detailed drawings of the proposed work are submitted to Building Control and are checked to ensure the proposal meets the Regulations. If there are queries on the plans, a letter requesting modifications or additional information is sent. Once the plans show compliance, they are approved. If only minor changes are need, the plans may be approved subject to conditions providing permission for this has been given by the applicant or agent. In most cases, the charges for a Full Plans submission are payable in two parts, one on deposit of the application and the second on commencement of work (see question on charges). With a Building Notice, plans are not required initially, although it may be necessary to provide drawings and/or structural calculations later. If the work is a new building or extension, a block plan showing the size and position of the proposal is needed so that the size can be verified and to ensure the proposal is not to be constructed over a public sewer. The Building Control charge is payable in full on deposit of a Building Notice. Building Notices are not normally acceptable for work to commercial buildings or buildings to which the public have access, as the Fire Service is involved.

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• 1.3 How long does it take to get Building Regulations approval?

When a valid Full Plans Building Regulations applications is deposited, the Local Authority must issue a decision within five weeks, unless agreement to an extension of time has been given, when the period is extended to two calendar months. The Building Control Group tries to examine plans within two weeks of deposit, however, during busy periods it is not always possible to meet this target. If the plans do not show compliance with the Regulations, a letter requesting further information is sent to the applicant or their agent. If within the period allowed, insufficient information has been provided to show compliance with the Building Regulations, a Notice of Rejection of Building Plans is issued. (See further question about Rejection of Plans.)

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• 1.3.1 Can I down load Building Regulations Application Forms?



Yes, forms for Full Plans procedure, Building Notice, Replacement Windows & Doors, and Application for Regularisation Certificate can be found on the Home Page, select the tab for A-Z of Council Services and Downloadable forms are then on the left hand side of that page, to complete and return with a cheque (payable to EHDC), plans and drawings as required.

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• 1.5 What happens if my building plans are rejected?

When building plans are rejected because the time for issuing a decision has elapsed, a new application should be made with amendments to the plans to ensure compliance with the Regulations. Providing the work is substantially the same as the initial application, no further fee is payable.

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• 1.6 Can my neighbours object to my Building Regulations application?

No, although it may be prudent to consult them.

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• 2.0 Do I need approval to build a conservatory?



Conservatories attached to domestic dwellings are exempt from the Building Regulations providing:-

i)   the floor area does not exceed 30m²,

ii)   the roof is translucent (polycarbonate or similar material which allows     light to pass through),

iii)  the conservatory is constructed at ground floor level,

iv)  the conservatory is separated from the rest of the dwelling by a door or doors.

Glass in critical locations should be safety glass.  "Critical locations" means up to 1500mm from floor level in doors and side panels, and up to 800mm from floor level in windows.

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• 2.1 Do I need approval to build a detached garage?

No, providing the garage does not exceed 30m², does not contain habitable accommodation and i) is at least one metre from the boundary of the property, or, ii) is built substantially of non-combustible material

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• 2.2 Do I need approval to build an attached garage?

Yes. The fee for an attached garage 40m² or less is shown at item 1 of Schedule 2, and for an attached garage between 40m² and 60m²at item 2 of Schedule 2 on the Guidance Note on Charges. An attached garage which exceeds 60m² is classed as an extension, and the Building Regulations fee is based on the estimated cost of the work.

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• 2.3 Do I need approval to build an extension to my house?

Yes, although porches and conservatories may be exempt. A porch is exempt if the floor area does not exceed 30m², if a door is retained between the porch and the rest of the house, and if there is no drainage within the porch. Glazing below 800mm in windows and 1.5m in doors and sidelights should be safety glazing. A conservatory is exempt if it does not exceed 30m², has a translucent roof and is at ground floor level. Doors should be provided between the conservatory and the dwelling, and safety glazing should be used.

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• 2.4 Do I need approval for internal alterations?



(i) To a dwelling

Yes, if the alterations are structural (removal or part removal of loadbearing wall or chimney breast) or alterations to the drainage system or which affect means of escape in case in fire.

ii) To a shop, office or other workplace

Yes.

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• 2.5 Do I need approval to convert my house into flats?

Yes, even where construction work may not be intended.

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• 2.6 Do I need approval to put rooms in the roofspace?

Yes.

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• 2.8 Do I need approval for garden or boundary walls?

No, although the height of boundary walls may be restricted under the Town and Country Planning Act. Please consult the Planning Department (telephone 01730 234248) for advice.

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• 2.9 Do I need approval to carry out repairs to my house, shop or office?

Not if the repairs are of a minor nature - eg. repointing brickwork or replacing floorboards. However, if the repair work is major in nature - eg removing a substantial part of a wall and rebuilding it, or underpinning a building, approval is required. In the case of re-roofing, approval is required.

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• 3.1 Do I need approval to convert all/part of my shop/office to a flat or house?

Yes.

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• 3.2.1 Do I need approval to fit replacement windows in my house?



Yes. Regulations apply to replacement windows but not to the replacement of broken glass only. (Replacement Window Notice forms can be downloaded from this site. See "Downloadable Forms".)

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• 3.2.2 Do I need approval to fit replacement windows in a shop or office?



Yes.

(Replacement Window Notice forms can be downloaded from this site. See "Downloadable Forms".)

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• 3.3 Do I need approval to install, alter or replace my shop front?

Yes

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• 4.0 Where can I view the Building Regulations.



The Building Regulations are contained in a series of Approved Documents. Copies are held in the reference section at public libraries. Or to access them on line at the Communities and Local Government website. (www.communities.gov.uk)

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