Building Control - Guidance

Bedales The rules on when you need to apply for buildings regulations are quite complex, so the council has produced a series of downloadable leaflets, which supplement this information. The answers to some commonly asked questions are below.

If you can’t find an answer to your query you should contact the building control team.

Conservatories

If you want to attach a conservatory to your home you do not need to apply for building regulations, provided it meets the following criteria:

the floor area does not exceed 30m square
the roof is translucent (polycarbonate or similar material which allows light through
it is built on the ground floor
it is separated from the rest of the home by a door or doors

Even if your conservatory doesn’t require building regulations, you are required under the law to include safety glass in what is called critical locations. This means up to 1500mm from the floor level and in doors, side panels and up to 800mm from floor level in windows.

Garages

The rules are different for detached and attached garages. You do need approval for an attached garage.
For a detached garage you do not need approval provided it meets the following criteria:

it does not exceed 30 m square
it does not include living accommodation
it is at least one metre from the boundary of the property or it is built substantially of non-combustible material

Extensions

You need approval to build an extension to your home, provided it is not covered by one of the exemptions listed below. This is separate approval to your planning permission. You do not need approval for:

porches with a floor area smaller than 30m square, provided there is a door between the porch and the rest of the house and there is no drainage within the porch
a conservatory with a floor area smaller than 30m square, with a translucent roof, built at ground level and with safety glass

Alterations to the inside of a property

You need approval for changes to the inside of shops, offices and other workplaces. You only need approval for changes a home if the alterations include:

converting a house, shop or office to flats
putting rooms in the roofspace
removal of all or part of a load-bearing wall or chimney breast
the drainage system
changes to the means of escape in case of fire

Repairs and external work

You do not need approval if you are carrying out minor repairs such as repointing brickwork or replacing floorboards. But you do need approval major repair work, such as replacing a roof or underpinning a building.

Windows

If you just wish to replace broken glass in a window you do not need to seek approval. To fit replacement windows at home, in a shop or office or to alter a shop from you need approval.