Planning Permission & Building Regulations
Today, most people understand that before carrying out any building work or alteration of a property, they are required to have some form of permission. However, it is not always clear about what types of permissions are necessary for different types of alterations and building works. In some occasions, the homeowner may also be required to adhere to health and safety regulations, and thus, it is important you understand the planning permission and building regulations necessary in your area.
Building regulations are a set of standards put in place to guide the design and construction of buildings to ensure that safety and health for those in and around the buildings. The regulations also ensure that building contractors adhere to the minimum standards for functionality and efficiency. They ensure that the buildings are easy to access, including people with disabilities, as well as ensure fuel and power efficiency in the building.
Planning, on the other hand, refers to a laid out plan that seeks to guide the way cities, towns and countryside develop. It is a guideline on how the land should be used, how the buildings should appear, highway access, landscaping considerations and the general impact the building will have on the environment.
Planning Permission
Planning permission gives you the authority to proceed with your construction work. The permit is issued by local planning authorities commonly the district planning department or the borough council.
In deciding whether to issue the permit, the issuing authority put into consideration various factors that include the size, context, use, access and compliance with the local and national planning policy among others. If you are planning to apply for a planning permit, you can access the guidance, legislation and policy that underline planning in England on the Planning Portal.
Building Regulations Approval
The Building Regulations are guidelines that address the specific aspects of building design and construction. The regulations are developed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
The building regulations apply to most building constructions and alterations; it is important you contact the local authorities before commencing any construction work. The building regulation puts into consideration the building design and construction relating to structure, ventilation, fire safety, accessibility and drainage among others.
Building permit approvals can be sought from the local building control authority or an approved inspector. Nevertheless, it is important to note that before the construction of a new building can commence, you should submit the full plans of your building for approvals. However, when you are working on a small project or making changes to an existing plan, you can seek approval by giving a building notice.Upon the completion of the project, you will be issued with a completion certificate as proof that the work had been done in compliance with the building regulations.
In most occasions, you will be required to have both building and planning permits before construction can begin, but there are some occasions when planning permit may not be necessary. When carrying out internal alterations to your home, a planning permit may not be needed, and thus, you may only need to seek a building regulation approval. If you are not sure about the permits that you should have for your building work, you should contact the local authorities.
Explore more:
Do I need Planning Permission?
What To Do when a Planning Application is Refused
What are the Building Regulations?
What is the Party Wall Agreement?
Objecting to a Planning Application
Do you need to find out more about planning permission and building regulations? Follow this link for RICS Surveyors in Maidstone and Kent.