What are Building Regulations?
National building regulations exist to ensure a robust standard
of construction for the health and safety of people in and around
all types of buildings. Building Regulations promote:
- Standards for most aspects of a building's construction,
including its structure, fire safety, sound insulation, drainage,
ventilation and electrical safety.
- Energy efficiency in buildings.
- The needs of all people, including those with disabilities, in
accessing and moving around buildings. They set standards for
buildings to be accessible and hazard-free wherever
possible.
Comprehensive information about Building Regulations is
available on the Planning Portal website:
Three different types of Building Regulations applications can
be made - a
full plans application, a
building notice application and a
regularisation certificate application.
Building Regulations application charges
Charges are made for the Building Regulation service. The total
charge payable is the same whether the full plans or building
notice options are chosen.
Full plans charges are normally payable in two stages. The first
part is payable when the application is submitted and the second
part is payable following commencement of works on site. In the
case of certain minor works the full fee is payable when the
application is submitted. For a building notice a single charge is
payable upon submission of the application.
Where estimated costs are used for the calculation of charges
(see table 3 of the guide to Building Regulations charges which you
can view by following the link below) these should be based upon
the current RICS Review of Building Prices.
No fees are payable in certain cases where the work consists
solely of providing facilities for someone with disabilities.
Follow this link for help with downloading and opening PDF files.
Site inspections
There are a number of statutory inspections which must be
carried out at various stages, depending on the works. For your
guidance an inspection request list is sent out with every
application acknowlegement. This gives details of when you or your
builder must contact us for an inspection. These stages are as
follows:
- Commencement of work.
- Foundation excavations.
- Concrete in foundations.
- Oversite preparation.
- Damp-proof course.
- Drainage before covering.
- Drainage after haunching or covering.
- Occupation of the building or part of the building.
- Completion of work.
Two working days notice are required for commencement of
work and one working day for all other inspections. We operate
a same day service for most inspections provided the inspection is
booked before 10.00am that day.
It may also be necessary for the inspecting officer to carry out
additional inspections to ensure compliance with Building
Regulations. Completion certificates are issued at the end of the
work providing all the Building Regulations have been met.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
2007
If you are doing or having construction or refurbishment work
done, you may need to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
and you may have other duties as well. To find out more and to see
if the regulations affect you
go to the HSE's website (new window).
Further information and advice
Please remember that you may also need planning permission for
your proposal. For more information go to the
planning permission and development control
webpages or contact the Planning Helpdesk on 01394
444403 or 444428 or email
d.c.admin@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss your application. You
can contact us on 01394 444219, email
building.control@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
or write to us at:
Building Control,
Suffolk Coastal District Council,
Council Offices,
Melton Hill,
Woodbridge IP12 1AU.
You are also welcome to visit us but it is best to call and make an
appointment first.