Building regulations - Print version

About building regulations approval

The owner of the property or, if not the same person, the person carrying out the work is always responsible for any works taking place. Whether it’s an extension, a loft conversion or a new development, Building Regulations will need to be met.

It is important to understand your Building Regulation responsibilities. Read further information about extending your home [https://www.extendingyourhome.com/labc/gteyh/coventry/coventrygteyh2022/], or contact us [mailto:buildingcontrol@coventry.gov.uk] with any questions you may have.

Building Regulations

Building Regulations set the standards for design and construction and apply in England and Wales. They ensure the health and safety of everyone using the buildings. The regulations also certify effective fuel and power conservation.

They also establish that adequate facilities and access points are in place for everyone in and around the buildings, including those with disabilities.

Building Regulations approval is separate from Planning Permission, and receiving one is not the same as complying with the other.

Building Regulations approval process

An often complex process, our Building Control team aims to make it as smooth as possible. Obtaining approval requires that:

• the relevant application form is submitted
• the receipt of the application form is acknowledged
• approval of Full Plans is received
• a Building Control surveyor visits the site throughout the build and upon completion
• a completion certificate is issued

Full Plans and Building Notices

For most home improvements a Building Notice will suffice. However, a Full Plans application is better and a necessity for work to non-domestic properties.

Full Plans

Full Plans offer greater protection to the building owner and require:

• 2 copies of the application form
• detailed plans
• specification of works, materials used and all calculations
• 2 copies of all drawings

Building Notices

Building Notices put the responsibility for compliance on the building owner and the construction company.

Requiring just one copy of the application form, a Building Notice:

• does not require detailed plans at the time the notice is deposited
• needs only a scaled site location for extensions or new buildings

It is important to note however that drawings, specifications and calculations can be requested at a later time to ensure compliance.

Building regulations approval for businesses

As a business owner, you hold responsibility for the buildings you own. Any works undertaken need Building Regulations approval as a result. Ensuring that all buildings are safe for use by employees, workers and customers; an agreed standard promotes accessibility, health and safety and energy conservation.

An often complex process, even for professionals, you can contact us to discuss your plans.

Planning Portal

The Planning Portal provides information about Building Regulations in the UK. With guidance for many common projects, it is the best place to find what is required from you. Information provided explains:

• your responsibilities as a business owner [https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200187/your_responsibilities]
• a guide to planning and building for shops [https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/50/shops]
• advice for a premises change of use [https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/9/change_of_use]
• advice for adverts and signs [https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/4/adverts_and_signs]
• guidance for warehouses and industrial buildings guidance [https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/55/warehouses_and_industrial_buildings]

Building regulations approval service

Committed to helping firms in Coventry develop in a sustainable and profitable way, we operate a business shaped Building Regulations service. To use our service you can:

• check the fees for Building Regulations approval [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/building-control/fees/1]
• check the approved documents for Building Regulations [https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/approved-documents]
• download a full plans application form [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/4780/full-plans-application-form]
• complete a Building Notice application form [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/29251/building-notice-application-form]
• complete a (retrospective) Building Regularisation form [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/1748/regularisation-application-form] (every effort should be made to seek Building Regulations approval prior to work starting)
• complete a Reversion application form [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/21525/reversion-application-form]
• online Building Notice application form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/en/service/building_notice_form]
• Compliance notification [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/41594/compliance-notification]

Site inspections

Site inspections ensure that the agreed building standards are being met. When an application is submitted, we will agree on a plan for site visits with you to monitor the work, and upon completion.

Whilst our Building Control team monitor and certificate the work, the ultimate responsibility for compliance is with the building owner. We do work to ensure your project meets your expectations, but we do not:

• check every item of work
• manage the design or construction
• operate as a Clerk of Works
• deal with poor workmanship and quality issues
• supervise your builder

Book a site inspection

Book a site inspection online [/form_building]

How data is held for a Building Regulations application

As a statutory obligation, we hold a register of all valid Building Regulations applications. All documents and other information submitted are publicly available.

This information is used strictly in accordance with The Data Protection Act [https://www.gov.uk/data-protection/the-data-protection-act] and inline with the Information Commissioner’s Office Guidance on Planning and Building Regulation Information.

This means that only personal information in the public interest will be used online. As a result, we will remove:

• personal email addresses
• signatures
• telephone numbers

Read the full Building Control privacy notice [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/buildingcontrolprivacynotice].