AS FROM 2nd AUGUST 2004 A NEW AND IMPROVED SYSTEM WILL BE OPERATING IN THE BUILDING CONTROL SECTION

Details of the correct site address and type of work will be required before making an appointment

OFFICERS ARE AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Callers without appointments can not be seen

You may contact officers after 3.15pm on (01727) 866100

Mr Alan Duncombe - ext 2724
Mr Martin Ganderton - ext 2731
Mr Purshottam Varu - ext 2729
Mr Peter Openshaw - ext 2558
Mr Noel Johnston - ext 2558
Mr Jeremy Saxton - ext 2619
Mr James Barnard - ext 2781

The Building Regulations are legal requirements that apply to building work and are aimed at achieving minimum standards of construction to ensure the health and safety of people in or around buildings. They are also concerned with energy conservation and with access and facilities for disabled people.

Approval under the Building Regulations is entirely separate from the process of obtaining Planning Permission.

Planning and Building Control Customer Services Changes - April 2005

In simple terms:
Planning Permission relates mainly to the correct use of land, the aesthetic appearance of the proposed building and the effect that the development will have on the general environment and neighbouring properties. Planning also deals with listed buildings and conservation areas.

Building Regulations, on the other hand, are concerned with the way in which the building is constructed, its structural stability, means of escape and fire precautions, weather resistance, energy conservation, sound insulation, access and facilities for people with disabilities.

Building Regulations approval will usually be required if you intend to carry out any of the following work:-

• Build a new building.
• Build an extension or form a room in the roof space (loft conversion).
• Carry out structural alterations to an existing building e.g. form a through lounge or remove chimney breast(s).
• Change the use of an existing building e.g. converted a house into flats.
• Provision, extension or alteration of drainage facilities e.g. a new bathroom or toilet under the stairs.
• Recover a roof structure.

You can make an application in one of two ways:

a. by giving the Council notice of your proposal (Building Notice)
b. submitting plans for your proposal (Full Plans)

If you have any doubts as to whether the proposals require Building Regulation consent, please contact the Building Control Section.

St Albans (01727) 819289 or 819218

Where development has taken place without planning permission or Building Control or work has begun prior to the submission of Full Plans or a Building Notice, the Council can take enforcement action and can, as a last resort, prosecute any person undertaking work which is unauthorised.

You are advised that Town Planning permission may be required and you should consult Development Control on (01727) 819344.

An online e-form is available for Building Control Enquiries