Building Control FAQs
- Do I need approval to carry out internal alterations to my house?
- Do I need Building Regulation approval to erect a conservatory, porch, covered yard, covered way?
- Do I need Building Regulation approval to erect a carport or garage or shed?
- When does a loft conversion need Building Regulations approval?
- If work has been carried out on my property without Building Regulations approval, can I have the situation formally rectified?
- If I am unhappy with the decision of the Council, what can I do?
- How do I report a dangerous or dilapidated building?
- Do I need to consult my neighbour before carrying out work?
- Do I have to pay charges to the Council for my Building Regulations application?
- Is work for the benefit of a disabled person exempt from charges?
- Do I need permission to carry out demolition work?
- How do I apply for approval?
- How often will the Council inspect the work?
- How long is the approval valid for?
- Do I have to use the Council or can I use another provider for the Building Regulations service?
Do I need approval to carry out internal alterations to my house?
Yes, if the alterations are of a structural nature, such as the removal of a load-bearing wall, a roof or floor. If the works can be classified as repair or replacing like with like, then they would normally be exempt. Installation of a new bathroom, alteration of sanitary pipework, or installing a new boiler does need approval, whereas electrical work, alterations to radiators and erection of garden walls do not.
Do I need Building Regulation approval to erect a conservatory, porch, covered yard, covered way?
If the conservatory or porch does not exceed 30mē in floor area, and its glazing complies with the requirements of Part N of the Building Regulations (regarding safety glazing), it is exempt.
To be classified as a conservatory, it must be a single storey part of a building where the roof and walls are substantially glazed with a transparent or translucent material. Doors between the original building and the conservatory must be retained or it will be considered as an extension of the room and consequently need approval.
Similarly, a covered yard or covered way which is separated from the original building by doors, will be exempt if less than 30mē in floor area. There are no requirements for glazing as it is assumed that there are no walls.
Do I need Building Regulation approval to erect a carport or garage or shed?
A carport which is wholly open on at least two sides, and less than 30mē in floor area is exempt.
A detached garage or any other detached buildings such as a shed or greenhouse which does not contain sleeping accommodation, is exempt if it is under 30mē, and is either situated 1m or more from the boundary or is constructed substantially of non-combustible materials.
When does a loft conversion need Building Regulations approval?
If the loft is only to have floor boarding laid for domestic storage purposes, then it would not normally require approval.
If the loft space is to be used as a room, is served by a stairway, or is provided with light/power/windows, then it may be considered to be subject to the requirements of the regulations.
If work has been carried out on my property without Building Regulations approval, can I have the situation formally rectified?
Yes, you may apply for a "Regularisation Certificate" if the work has been carried out since November 1985. The Council will require plans and may request parts of the work to be exposed to check compliance.
If I am unhappy with the decision of the Council, what can I do?
You may apply to the Secretary of State for a determination after your plans have been rejected. You may also appeal to the Secretary of State if the Council refuses to formally relax or dispense with the regulations. If the matter is an enforcement issue, you may take the matter to the Magistrates Court.
How do I report a dangerous or dilapidated building?
The Building Control section deal with all dangerous structures and provide an emergency call system outside of office hours. The emergency telephone number is 0800 374485.
Do I need to consult my neighbour before carrying out work?
It is always advisable and good for neighbour relations to consult your neighbour, before carrying out work.
If the work requires Planning Consent, the Council will notify your immediate neighbours. There is no requirement for the Council to do so under Building Regulations.
If the work involves any of the following, the Party Wall Act applies and you should give the relevant period of notice to the adjoining owner and occupiers.
- Work on an existing wall shared with another property
- Building on the boundary with a neighbouring property
- Excavating near a neighbouring property
A free booklet produced by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the regions is available from the Council offices.
Do I have to pay charges to the Council for my Building Regulations application?
Yes, Fareham has a scheme of charges. The amount payable depends on the type of work. Charges are usually payable in two stages, ie, when depositing the application and again when the work commences. Details are available from the Council offices.
Is work for the benefit of a disabled person exempt from charges?
Yes, if the work is to provide means of access to or within an existing building, or to provide a necessary facility within the building for the sole use of the person with disabilities.
Do I need permission to carry out demolition work?
Yes, you are required under the Building Act to give 6 weeks' notice to the Council before commencing demolition work except for any of the following:
- an internal part of a building where it remains occupied throughout
- a building less than 1750 cubic feet (approx 50mē) or a greenhouse, conservatory, shed, prefabricated garage which form part of a larger building
- agricultural buildings unless they are attached to other non-agricultural buildings
The most common method is to submit a "Full Plans" application. As the term implies, detailed plans and a specification are required and these will be checked and approved if satisfactory.
You may use a "Building Notice" especially for small works. No plans are generally required and you may commence work after 48 hours. A building notice cannot be used where the building is a "designated use" such as offices, shops and industrial buildings.
How often will the Council inspect the work?
You must notify the Council at various stages of construction, such as commencement, excavation for foundations, laying of oversite concrete, laying of drains and completion of works and any other stages requested by the Council. The number of inspections will vary according to the size of the job.
How long is the approval valid for?
The approved plans are valid for at least 3 years. Once the work has substantially commenced, the plans are valid until the work is completed.
Do I have to use the Council or can I use another provider for the Building Regulations service?
You may use an "Approved Inspector" instead of the Council if you wish. The Construction Industry registers and assesses suitable companies and individuals and approves them for various types of inspection work according to their experience, liability insurance and resources.
For further information please contact the Department of Planning Development Control on tel: 01329 236100 ext 2434 or contact us by e-mail devcontrol@fareham.gov.uk.
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