Contact detailsContact Us
Visit usVisit Us
Page translationsTranslate
Building Control/Building Regulations


Building Control is part of Waveney District Council's Regeneration and Environment Portfolio which includes:-

  • Planning
  • Environmental Services
  • Drainage
  • Highways

These friendly links mean that Building Control is uniquely placed to benefit the Community and Customers alike.

You will find that Building Control is a caring and competitive service that is both very experienced and particularly good at acting on your needs and timescales in a flexible way.

Don't take our word for this, see our:

Just in case you have a comment, good or bad it is welcome and recognised as helping us improve the service to you.

Let us know what you think - Fill in the Building Control Service Customer Feedback form

What are the Building Regulations?

The Building Regulations are UK national standards to secure health and safety, energy conservation and disabled facilities and access in and about buildings.

What Works do the Regulations Apply to?

All new buildings, but not:

  • Single storey detached buildings less than 15m2 floor area.
  • Single storey detached buildings less than 30m2 floor area which are: i) not less than 1m from boundaries, ii) constructed of substantially non-combustible material
  • Certain agricultural buildings, plantroom building and some temporary buildings.

and All Extensions, but not:

  • A conservatory, porch or covered yard where the floor area is less than 30m2, and any glazing is toughened or laminated in accordance with the Building Regulations.
  • A carport open on at least two sides and the floor area is less than 30m2.

and Alterations, such as:

  • The installation of new bathroom facilities and/or new drainage.
  • Conversion of lofts
  • Installation of certain heating systems
  • Certain changes of use of an existing building - specific advice should be sought
  • Re-covering a roof with tiles when presently covered by slates or light weight material
  • Underpinning of foundations.
Guide to authorising building work such as replacement windows/doors and boilers/flues (546Kb) (Opens new window)

Other Building Control Services:

  • Check Dangerous Structures and Demolitions and remove danger
  • Issue Street Numbers and agree Street Naming
  • Check Means of Escape in case of Fire (flats, public and certain other buildings)

How do I apply for Permission?

Pre-Submission Advice
You may contact this office and we will be pleased to advise you without charge before you make your application.

Submit Full Plans
Normally you supply two copies of the detailed plans, application form and appropriate fee. We check the plans and give you advice to help you get them approved. There is no requirement for deposited drawings / plans to be professionally drawn but they must be to a metric scale. Not all applications require plans to be deposited but when they are they help to prevent problems during construction.

OR: Submit a Building Notice
If you provide basic information on an application form and appropriate fee, you can start work after giving notice. Our Project Officer will check the work as it proceeds on site and may request additional specific information. However the responsibility to meet the requirements of the regulations rest with you. This system cannot be used for certain commercial premises.

Inspections
It is the obligation in law of the person carrying out "building work" to notify Building Control to Inspect "Building Regulation work" at least 24hours before covering that work, in fact we accept a phone call (normally 01502 523044, 24 hour Answerphone 01502 500040 or your Area Surveyor direct line number before 11am to visit that same day) for:-

  • Commencement/foundations excavation
  • Oversite (ground floor preparation)
  • Drains (before covering and for testing)
  • Occupation (if before completion)
  • Completion of work (don't forget to obtain your free completion certificate which helps smooth any future property conveyancing)


Objections from Neighbours
Neighbours have no right of objection under Building Regulation legislation. There may be a right of objection under Planning Legislation. Also, they may have rights under Civil Law such as the  Party Wall Act , Rights to Light, trespass etc... You should consider seeking legal advice if you are concerned about such issues.


If you are not Satisfied
If you are unhappy with the service you receive, your complaint will be treated with urgency and consideration as Waveney's Complaints Charter demands.

Contact : 01502 523034 
 
For up to the minute information on Planning/Building Control related documentation visit the National Planning Portal at http://www.planningportal.gov.uk (opens new window)

Other Useful Internet links