Building control
The building control team deals with issues relating to building work and construction, including making sure that buildings in East Hampshire are safe.
What is the difference between building regulations and planning permission?
Building control and planning are two different departments which deal with different sets of regulations, although they work closely together.
For most building work you will need to make separate applications for both building regulation and planning consent.
In simple terms, our Planning Development Team will look at the appearance of new development, how it will affect the surrounding environment, highway access, protecting and conserving the natural and building environment of the district, etc.
The Building Control team on the other hand checks that the health, safety and welfare of people is safeguarded in buildings. That means making sure new buildings meet minimum standards in areas such as design, building work, health and safety, energy conservation and access for disabled people.
They also consider applications for major changes to existing buildings, such as taking down a load-bearing wall.
You can find out more about the differences on the Planning Portal website.
Dangerous structures
The Building Control team can take action if a building is deemed dangerous - either because of a sudden change like a fire, or being hit by a vehicle - or through long term neglect. We will make a site inspection to assess the danger and if necessary will contact the property owner.
If it is an emergency and the owner can't be contacted quickly, the team may take measures to make the building safe like putting up scaffolding or fencing. The cost of this will be recovered from the owner.
If it is not so urgent we can apply to a magistrates' court to make an order requiring the owner to remove the danger.
The building control team provides 24 hour all year round cover to respond to reports of dangerous structures which threaten the health and safety of the public. They aim to respond to requests for help within two hours.
To report a dangerous structure:
Telephone: 01730 266551
Out of hours: 07850 358156 (to report imminently dangerous structures or buildings)
Demolitions
The Building Act 1984 says anyone intending to demolish a property must tell the local authority, the suppliers of gas and electricity, and the occupiers of adjacent buildings.
To do this they need to fill out a 'Section 80 Notice', and the demolition shouldn't take place until the local authority has replied to this or until six weeks have passed.
You do not need to tell us if the demolition is:
- of an internal part of a building, where the building is occupied and it is intended that it should continue to be occupied;
- of a building with an external volume not more than 50m cubed;
- of a greenhouse, conservatory, shed or prefabricated garage (where they form part of a larger building);
- of an agricultural building, unless it is in contact with another non-agricultural building.
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