Journal

The Building Control system is concerned with the statutory codes and standards that buildings are required to meet, as set out in the Building Regulations. These are separate from the planning system, and are generally focussed on standards of construction, performance and safety of the building for a given use. The regulations are very wide ranging, but key aspects include energy use & thermal performance, structural integrity, fire safety & escape, protection from falling,

Although administered through similar channels to the planning process, works in Heritage and Conservation buildings and contexts require additional levels of consideration and approval. Conservation Areas are generally used to control the overall look and feel of a particular area, usually due to its architectural or historic significance, while Listings are used to protect the look, use and fabric of buildings of architectural, historic or cultural significance.

Everyone involved in the design and construction process has duties to consider and enact responsibly in relation to Health & Safety.

There are many types and arrangements of party walls, but as a general guide they are any wall that two or more properties adjoin. Under the legislation a party wall notice must be submitted if your project involves works to or within certain distances of a party wall. There are also similar rules in relation to detached properties depending on their proximity and depths of foundations, and also for some boundary walls.

If the freehold of your property is owned in part or in full by someone other than you, or your property is located within a managed site or estate with specific controls or restrictions, then you may need to seek additional approvals prior to undertaking work to your home.

In many locations there are pre-defined works to buildings that do not require permission, provided that they adhere to a strict set of rules. While planning approval is not formally required for such works in these areas, it is always recommended to seek formal confirmation of this status from the local authority in the form of a Lawful Development Certificate.

The planning system is generally concerned with any changes to the number, size, appearance, or use of a building or land. Planning rules and guidance can be set at national, regional and also local level, and are generally administered by the planning department within the local authority. Simple applications are usually processed by council staff, while larger and more complex decisions are passed to a committee of elected councillors. Depending on the nature of the plannin

There are a wide variety of standards, approvals, and statutory processes that can apply to a construction project, and it is important to take specific professional advice for each project. Typically private residential project will require Planning Approval, Building Control Approval, and will be subject to the Construction Design & Management (CDM) Regulations. Party Wall procedures, approvals from utility companies, and Estate and/or Freeholder approvals may also be re