When is Building Regulations required?
Exemptions

Please remember whether or not you need Building Regulation approval, you may also need Planning Permission (see Development Control)

When is Building Regulations required?

Does the work you want to carry out on your property include any of the following:

• Erection of a new building?. Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

• Erection of an extension to a building?. Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice

• Erection of a conservatory or porch?. Generally no, see Exemptions. Otherwise, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

• Erection of a small detached garage? Generally no, see Exemptions. Otherwise, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

• Erection of a carport?. Generally no, see Exemptions .

• Change the use of a building?. Generally yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice. However, in some situations, you will only be able to make a Full Plans application.

• Convert a single dwelling to flats?. Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

• Create a room or rooms in a loft (roof void)? Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

• Install, extend or change a drainage system (for example, by adding a new bathroom or toilet)? Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

• Install electric wiring? Yes After 1st January 2005 if the work is in adwelling or the garden (although there are some exceptions) you will need to make a Full Plan application or submit a Building Notice unless your electrician is registered with a competent persons self-certification scheme.

• Replace a roof covering with a similar weight material? Generally no, if you are not making any changes to the roof structure. However, if more structural supports are needed, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

• Replace a roof covering with a heavier material (for example, replacing slates with concrete tiles)? Yes, as the loadings are higher, it is likely that the roof structure and supports will need to be strengthened.

• Replace windows? Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice, or the work can be carried out by a FENSA registered installer.     Note: Replacement of windows to a commercial or industrial building cannot be carried out under the FENSA scheme

• Structurally alter the inside of a building (for example, the removal of an internal wall or chimney breast)? Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

• Structurally alter the outside of a building (for example, putting in a new window or patio doors)? Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

• Underpin foundations? Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

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