Building Control guidance

Overview

The Building Regulations are constantly being updated. The Approved Documents and related publications can be found on the Planning Portal website.

Do I need Building Regulations consent?

Most building work will require building regulations consent. This is a different process to acquiring planning permission, and must be applied for separately.

Special rules also apply to listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas.

The following types of project require Building Regulations consent?

  • Most extensions to a building including conversion of a loft and garage conversions, but excluding porches and conservatories (see exemptions)
  • Structural alterations, such as removing a load-bearing wall
  • Installing replacement windows, doors or rooflights using a builder or window company that is not registered with the relevant Competent Person Schemes
  • Installation of heating, hot water and air conditioning systems using a builder or company that is not registered with the relevant Competent Person Schemes
  • Installing additional bathroom fittings
  • Domestic electrical installations by a builder or company that is not registered with the relevant Competent Person Schemes
  • Alterations to drainage systems
  • Re-roofing (if it is greater than 25% of the roof)
  • Underpinning a building
  • Renovating a thermal element, for example walls, floors and roofs
  • Changing the energy status of a building
  • Changing the use of a building, for example barn conversions

Exemptions

If you are unsure whether your proposal requires Building Regulations approval, please contact us.

Below are a few of the main types of building work that are exempt from the regulations.

Conservatories are exempt from Building Regulations when:

  • they are built at ground level and are less than 30m2 in floor area
  • the conservatory is separated from the house by external quality walls, doors or windows
  • there will be an independent heating system with separate temperature and on/off controls
  • glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable Building Regulations requirements

Any new structural opening between the conservatory and the existing house will require building regulations approval, even if the conservatory itself is an exempt structure.

Porches are exempt from Building Regulations when:

  • they are built at ground level and are less than 30m2 in floor area
  • glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable Building Regulations requirements
  • the front entrance door between the existing house and the new porch will remain in place
  • if the house has ramped or level access for disabled people, the porch will not adversely affect access

Small detached buildings (such as small garages and sheds) are exempt from Building Regulations when:

  • they are less than 15m2 in floor area
  • they contain no sleeping accommodation
  • any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable Building Regulations requirements

Competent Person Schemes

Competent Person Schemes (CPS) were introduced by the government to allow individuals and enterprises to self certify that their work complies with the Building Regulations as an alternative to submitting a Building Notice application to us.

Find a registered installer.

Shared sewers and drains

You may have to change your plans to suit the depth and location of the underground drain or sewer that you intend to connect to. If you intend to build over or close to a public sewer, you will require written agreement from your sewerage undertaker, so you should consult Northumbrian Water as soon as possible.

Useful guides

The following guides aim to show how your project will be affected by the Building Regulations.

If you are planning to extend or renovate your home, or convert your garage, loft or cellar, check out: https://labcfrontdoor.co.uk/

For anything related to energy efficiency, please see: https://labcfrontdoor.co.uk/projects?p=Energy%20Efficiency

For any other technical information, please visit: www.labc.co.uk/guidance or call us on 0191 643 2200 to discuss your proposal with one of our experienced surveyors with unrivalled local knowledge.

Contact Building Control