The aim of the Building Control Service is: to ensure the health and safety of people in or around buildings. to conserve energy. to secure access to buildings for disabled people. to enforce the statutory provisions relating to demolitions and dangerous structures. to provide technical advice and issue licences for public entertainment. to administer street naming and numbering .

Most new buildings, extensions and alterations to existing buildings, as well as certain changes in the uses of buildings are controlled by Building Regulations. Applicants may submit either "Full Plans" a "Building Notice" to the Council who will carry out site inspections to ensure that the Regulations are being complied with.

We received about 1,250 applications per year (Full Plans and Building Notices) and carry out over 7,500 site inspections per year. Although we carry out a statutory enforcement role, we will assist you in complying with the numerous requirements. In this respect we see you as our customer, and we will always aim to provide you with a quality service.

What you can expect

We undertake to provide a responsive and effective Building Control Service to all our customers and to promote the high standards of building construction. The Council's Building Control Service has, after BSI assessment, achieved 1SO 9000 Quality Assurance Certification, which underlines our commitment to providing a quality services. To demonstrate this commitment we will undertake to:- Provide you with guidance and advice on any aspect that you are uncertain of, either by telephone or pre-submission meeting. examine your Full Plans application and inform you promptly (normally within 3 weeks and no more than 5 weeks of deposit,) of any errors or omissions. normally arrive on site the same morning/early afternoon in response to inspection requests before 10am. provide, wherever possible, a same day response to inspection requests after 10am by use of mobile communications between the office and our surveyors. consider special arrangements for inspections where problems are encountered. act as lead authority in the issue of a National Type Approval which you can use with the minimum of formality anywhere in England and Wales. on medium and large projects we are willing to enter into more detailed Service Level Agreements or Undertakings. Central to the Agreement is the nomination by both the company and the Council of a "Project Officer" leading their respective development teams. make immediate arrangements to inspect potential dangerous buildings or structures. provide access to old applications which may provide useful information for you. (A small charge is made for this service.)

How to get help and advice

We are always willing to give advice on Building Control matters and the effect they may have on your proposals. You can call into the Environmental and Planning reception on the first floor of Causeway House or 'phone us on, (01376) 551414 ext 2535 or on our Direct line (01376) 557781. The Building Control Surveyors are normally available between 9 and 10am and 3.30 and 5pm Monday to Friday, but it is advisable to arrange by telephone if you intend arriving outside of these times or wish to see a specific person.  A Building Control duty officer is available Monday to Friday from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, for face to face or telephone enquiries and advice.

What to do if things go wrong

If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received, please telephone (01376) 552525 and ask to speak to either the Customer Liaison Officer or the Head of Planning Services.

Alternatively write to the Head of Planning Services at

Causeway House,
Bocking End,
Braintree,
CM7 9HB.

Tell him what the problem is and he will carry out an investigation and provide you with an explanation.

If you are not satisfied with our explanation the Council has a formal complaints procedure and the council's Quality Manager will advise you how to take the matter further. Contact him on (01376) 551414 ext 2723.

Help us to help you

There are several things that you can do to help us deal with your submission with the minimum of delay.

Applications should be complete and include all relevant information at the time of submission, e.g. structural calculations. Enclose a site location plan to a scale not less than 1:1250 with all Full Plans applications and Building Notices. For applications other than new houses and domestic extensions and alterations submit 4 copies of plans showing compliance with Part B (Fire Safety.) Quote the application reference number and site addresses when you phone or write to us. All our officers carry identity cards and are pleased to show them. Be safe - always ask for proof of identity. Let us know about any problems you have experienced or suggestions you may have regarding our service.

How can I contact the service?

Call us on (01376) 551414 ext 2535, Direct line (01376) 557781 or write to the following address:

Building Control Services Manager
Environmental & Planning Services Department
Braintree District Council
Causeway House
Bocking End
Braintree
Essex
CM7 9HB

Remember - by contacting us, you can help us to improve our service to you.

One of a series of Customer Contracts available from Braintree District Council