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Advice on the Building Control Process

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If it’s the first time you have done any building work, knowing where to start and finding your way through the process may seem a little daunting. As a rough guide, you can follow the steps below:

1          Check whether the work requires Building Regulations approval or falls under one of the Exempt types of work.

2          If not exempt, you will need to formerly apply for Building Regulation consent to build. Some people do not realise it, but strictly speaking it is an offence if you or your builder carries out controlled building work without first getting Building Regulation consent.

3          The application forms fees and plans are then sent to us for registration and checking. If you wish to make your application electronically, you can use the submit a plan system.

4          If you submit a full plan or building notice application we will in the majority of cases check the plans within 3 weeks.

5          Weather you submit full plan or building notice application we will come out and inspect the work at various stages.

 6         When we are happy with the work we issue a Completion Certificate.

 

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What are the Building Regulations?

Building Regulations ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings by providing functional requirements for building design and construction. The regulations also promote energy efficiency in buildings and contribute to meeting the needs of disabled people.  

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) publishes guidance on meeting the requirements in what are known as the 'Approved Documents'.

 

 

The Building Regulation Approved Documents are listed below.  To view or download them, please go directly to the Planning Portal website.

Approved Document A - Structure 
Approved Document B - Fire Safety 
Approved Document C - Site preparation and resistance to moisture
Approved Document D - Toxic Substances
Approved Document E - Resistance to the Passage of Sound  
Approved Document F - Ventilation   
Approved Document G - Hygiene   
Approved Document H - Drainage and waste disposal   
Approved Document J - Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems  
Approved Document K - Protection from collision, falling and impact   
Approved Document L - Conservation of fuel and power   
Approved Document M - Access and facilities for disabled people   
Approved Document N - Glazing safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning 
Approved Document P - Electrical safety  
Regulation 7 - Materials and workmanship

 

Are you building near or over a Private Sewer?

On 1st October 2011, water and sewerage companies in England and Wales became responsible for most private sewers.

The Private Sewers Transfer Regulations do not amend the Building Regulations in any way and there is no obligation for Building Control to consult with Anglian Water, unless the drain or sewer is shown on the map of sewers, in accordance with the requirements of Building Regulation H4.  However it is strongly recommended that prior to making a Building Regulation submission for proposed work involving building over or within 3 metres of a private sewer, Anglian Water is contacted on:  0845 0265232 or  http://www.anglianwater.co.uk/

 

How can I contact the service?

Call us on (01376) 551414 ext 2535, Direct line (01376) 557781

email buildingcontrol@braintree.gov.uk

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