Page last updated at 15:07 GMT, Tuesday, November 2 2010

Building Regulations

Building Regulations give minimum standards that all building work must comply with.  Guidance is available in publications called Approved Documents.  The Approved Documents give guidance on issues such as structural stability, means of escape in case of fire, protection from dampness and contamination, access and facilities for disabled persons and energy conservation.  Further details and copies of the Approved Documents are available at the Planning Portal Web Site which is included in the links below.

Certain types of works are exempt from the need to apply for building regulation consent.  Guidance on certain exemptions is given in the link below.

Planning permission may also be needed and you should seek advice from the Councils' Development Control Service.

Building Regulations apply to:-
The erection of a building, the extension of a building, alterations of a building which includes such works as underpinning and internal structural alterations and any works which would adversely affect the means of escape in case of fire, the installation of controlled fittings e.g. sanitary and heating appliances and replacement windows and external glazed doors, the change of use of a building, the installation of cavity wall insulation

• Do I need to make a Building Regulation application?    ( pdf )
• Guide to Buildings exempt from Building Regulations  ( pdf )   - Amendment applicable from 1st October 2010 regarding
• Conservatories  - Please note that in order to be exempt, any heating system within the existing dwelling must not be  extended into the proposed conservatory.
•  Exempt Buildings and Work Guidance and Application Form (pdf)