It is important if you intend to carry out building work that you seek advice from your local authority Building Control staff at an early stage before you commence the work to establish if your proposals are subject to the requirements of Building Regulations and whether or not you will need to make an application.

A Building Regulations application will normally be required if you intend to carry out any of the following work. The list together with the adjacent diagram are not exhaustive of all the work subject to Building Regulations; if in doubt ask.

• To erect or extend a building
• To alter a building e.g.
  • form room(s) in the roof space
  • remove an internal loadbearing wall
  • to form a new window or door opening
  • to remove a chimney breast
  • to underpin the foundations of a building
• To alter the fire safety arrangements of the building in respect of :-
  • the means of escape from the building
  • the access and facilities for the Fire Service
• The installation, extension or alteration of services e.g.
  • the installation of appliances such as baths, showers and WC's and associated drainage
  • the installation or replacement of a small sewage treatment plant such as a septic tank
  • the installation or replacement of certain boilers and combustion appliances and their chimney or flue pipe
  • the installation or replacement of a hot water cylinder or oil tank
  • the installation of replacement windows
  • the installation of new electrical works in or about dwellings
• To alter the access and facilities to and within a building for people with disabilities.
• To insert insulation material in the cavity of an external wall
• To change the use of a building to a different purpose to which it is currently being used. This includes changes of use to form :-
  • a dwelling
  • a flat or flats - including a maisonette
  • a hotel or boarding house
  • an institutional building
  • a public building
  • any use which is subject to Building Regulations where previously the use of the building was exempt
  • the alteration of a building to create a lesser or greater number of dwellings

The Building Regulations recognise that some buildings pose little risk to public health and safety and these buildings have therefore been exempted from the requirements of the Building Regulations.

The following is a brief list of buildings and work which are exempt from the Building Regulations but for comprehensive advice on exemptions please contact Building Control staff in your local authority; if in doubt ask.

• Buildings controlled under other legislation such as ancient monuments
• Detached buildings not frequented by people such as those used solely for housing plant and machinery
• Most greenhouses and agricultural buildings

These buildings are not exempt if used for retail, packing or exhibiting purposes

• Temporary buildings erected for not more than 28 days
• Site huts and other similar ancillary buildings which contain no sleeping accommodation
• Small detached buildings or extensions - See diagram page 25
• Garage, shed and summerhouse
• Conservatory, porch, carport and covered way

Because a building or work is exempt from the requirements of Building Regulations does not mean to say that it is permitted development under Town and Country Planning. You are therefore recommended to seek advice from Development Control staff in your local authority before commencing your building work.