FAQ
Do I require planning?
Almost all commercial development requires planning permission. Broadly speaking an extension to the rear of your house, less than 40m2 (cumulative area) does not require planning. Follow the link for guidelines on whether you need planning for a domestic extension. if you still require clarification contact us and your local authority for further information. If you are still not sure or require clarification a person apply to the planning authority for a declaration on the question. This is known as a section 5 referral or an Exemption declaration.
Almost all commercial development requires planning permission. Broadly speaking an extension to the rear of your house, less than 40m2 (cumulative area) does not require planning. Follow the link for guidelines on whether you need planning for a domestic extension. if you still require clarification contact us and your local authority for further information. If you are still not sure or require clarification a person apply to the planning authority for a declaration on the question. This is known as a section 5 referral or an Exemption declaration.
Do I need a Commencement Notice?
Commencement Notices are required for the following:
• works or a change of use which requires neither planning permission, nor a Fire Safety Certificate (most small domestic extensions)
Commencement Notices are required for the following:
- the erection of a building;
- a material alteration of a building;
- an extension to a building
- a material change of use of a building;
- works in connection with the material alteration (excluding minor works) of a shop, office or industrial building where a Fire Safety Certificate is not required.
• works or a change of use which requires neither planning permission, nor a Fire Safety Certificate (most small domestic extensions)
Do I need an Assigned Certifier?
Owners of new single dwellings, on a single development unit, and domestic extensions may opt out of the requirements for statutory certification, and appointment of an Assigned Certifier is not required. Compliance with Building Regulations must still be achieved and Building Control procedures will still apply, through the Building Control Management System.
The Building Control Regulations 1997 to 2015 require owners, builders, and registered construction professionals to demonstrate through the Statutory Register of Building Control Activity that the works or building concerned have been designed and constructed in compliance with Building Regulations.
Building Control Regulations apply generally to new buildings and to existing buildings which undergo an extension, a material alteration or a material change of use.
Building control procedures vary for different categories of buildings and for different circumstances. Generally, the building control process requires that -
Owners of new single dwellings, on a single development unit, and domestic extensions may opt out of the requirements for statutory certification, and appointment of an Assigned Certifier is not required. Compliance with Building Regulations must still be achieved and Building Control procedures will still apply, through the Building Control Management System.
The Building Control Regulations 1997 to 2015 require owners, builders, and registered construction professionals to demonstrate through the Statutory Register of Building Control Activity that the works or building concerned have been designed and constructed in compliance with Building Regulations.
Building Control Regulations apply generally to new buildings and to existing buildings which undergo an extension, a material alteration or a material change of use.
Building control procedures vary for different categories of buildings and for different circumstances. Generally, the building control process requires that -
- A Commencement Notice signed by the owner is submitted to the Building Control Authority prior to the commencement of works; in most cases this notice must be accompanied by a statutory Design Certificate, forms relating to the assignment of the Builder and the Assigned Certifier, and a preliminary Inspection Plan;
- A Statutory Certificate of Compliance on Completion, together with relevant compliance documentation and the Inspection Plan as implemented is lodged with the Building Control Authority before the building is occupied or used;
- In the case of commercial buildings and apartment blocks, a Disability Access Certificate and a Fire Safety Certificate be obtained from the local building control authority.
