Do I need approval?
- Introduction, fees and forms
- Internal alterations of your property
- Building or altering a garden or boundary wall
- Building an extension to a house or flat
- Building a garage extension
- Building a detached garage or ancillary building
- Converting or altering a loft space
- Installing replacement windows
- Converting a house into flats
- Converting a house into a shop or office
- Converting all or part of an office or shop
- Installing, altering or replacing a shopfront
- Installing plumbing, waste removal and heating appliances
- Re-wire
- Carrying out repairs to your property
Houses
Approval is required if the alterations are structural in nature and would affect fire precautions or impose new loads; for example, the removal of a chimney breast, removal or part removal of a load bearing wall, or alteration of a floor, roof structure or beam.
Approval is also needed if the alterations change the drainage, waste plumbing system or, in certain cases, the heating or hot water services, or if they result in the removal of a door between a conservatory/porch and the rest of the house.
If you are unsure, please contact us with your proposals and we will advise as to whether or not you need Building Regulations approval (see 'How to contact us').
Shops or offices
Approval will be needed in most cases. Please contact us for further details.
Regardless of whether or not you need Building Regulations approval, you may need Planning Permission. The Planning Control section will be able to advise you in this matter.
You may also have obligations under the Party Wall Act 1996. You should consult a party wall surveyor or advisor for guidance in this matter.
