Contact:
  • Building Control
  • Address:
    Trimbridge House Trim Street Bath BA1 2DP
  • E-mail:
    building_control@bathnes.gov.uk
  • Telephone:
    01225 477517 / 8
  • Fax:
    01225 477637
  • Minicom:
    01225 477647 (Textphone only- please do not use for any other calls)
  • Page Updated:
    14/09/2007
  • Author:
    Building Control
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Building Control Service

Building Regulation Questions Answered

Does my building work need approval?

The Building Regulations control most types of building work.  See Work to which the Building Regulations apply for further information.

There are certain types of building work that may be carried out without notifying the Building Control Service. See Exempt Building & Work for further information.

Advice - It is always prudent to obtain written confirmation from the Council that your proposals do not require approval prior to commencing any work.  Any exemptions relate solely to the Building Regulations. Planning Permission  or Listed Building Consent may be required even if the work is exempt under the Building Regulations.

What happens if I have already started or completed work without approval?

You may submit an application for Regularisation. Following acceptance the works will be inspected and you may be asked to open up some work and/or carry out tests to prove compliance. After satisfying Building Control that compliance has been achieved a Regularisation Certificate will be issued.

See Making an application for further advice.

Do I need a Building Regulations application for a conservatory?

If the conservatory meets the following criteria:

  • The internal floor area is less than 30m²,
  • The roof is a transparent or transluscent material (glass or polycarbonate sheets),
  • It is built at ground level (i.e., not over an undercroft or a balcony),
  • Any glazing complies with the requirements of Part N (Glazing - Safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning),
  • The conservatory is an addition to the building, rather than an extension to it (i.e., it should be separated from the remainder of the building with external doors, windows and walls),

then it is exempt from the Building Regulations.

The above criteria only relate to the Building Regulations; you may still need Planning Permission or Listed Building consent.

If you are building over or within 3m of a public sewer, you are still required to obtain consent from Wessex Water.

Work on or near your boundary with a neighbouring property will still be subject to the provisions of the Party Wall Act.  This is civil legislation not controlled by the Local Authority.

Even though your proposed building maybe exempt from the building regulations you should still take all reasonable steps to ensure that it doesn't adversely affect the existing building. For example, the conservatory shouldn't block any boiler flues, or be built under an escape window from a loft conversion.

Do I need plans?

If you apply for a Full Plans approval you will need to provide the Council with plans. If you apply for Building Notice acceptance you do not initially need to provide any plans other than a site location plan.

However, the Building Control Surveyor may request plans, details or calculations at any stage of construction.

We recommend that you seek professional advice when contemplating construction work and plan drawing.

See Making an application for further information.

Can anyone object to my plans?

Not under the Building Regulations, if the proposal is lawful. However, they may be able to object under other legislation such as the Town and Country Planning Acts.