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

Building Control Application with Full Plans and Building Notices

For most home improvements a Building Notice will suffice. However, a Building Control Application with Full Plans [https://www.submitaplan.com/default.aspx] is better and a necessity for work to non-domestic properties.

Building Control Application with Full Plans

Building Control Application with Full Plans [https://www.submitaplan.com/default.aspx] 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.

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]
• complete a Building Control Application with Full Plans [https://www.submitaplan.com/default.aspx]
• complete a Building Notice application form [https://www.submitaplan.com/default.aspx]
• complete a (retrospective) Building Regularisation form [https://www.submitaplan.com/default.aspx] (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

Please ensure that you book your excavations inspection BEFORE you confirm your concrete delivery.

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 Building Regulations applications. All documents and other information submitted are not 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.

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

Building Control Complaints

Complaints Process

We are committed to providing high-quality services. However, we understand that sometimes things can go wrong. If you are not satisfied with our services, we encourage you to let us know so we can address your concerns and improve our services.

How to Make a Complaint

1. Identify the Issue: Clearly describe the issue you are facing, including any relevant details such as dates, times, and the names of any staff members involved.

2. Contact Us: You can submit your complaint by emailing to buildingcontrol@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:buildingcontrol@coventry.gov.uk] with your complaint details.

3. Acknowledgment: We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 5 working days.

4. Investigation: Our team will investigate your complaint thoroughly. This may involve reviewing records, speaking with staff members, and gathering additional information.

5. Response: We aim to provide a full response within 20 working days. If the investigation takes longer, we will keep you informed of the progress and the expected resolution date.

6. Resolution: Once the investigation is complete, we will inform you of the outcome and any actions we will take to address the issue. 

Further Steps

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint, you can raise a formal corporate complaint.  Details of which are held online Comments, compliments and complaints – Coventry City Council [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/contact-council/comments-compliments-complaints]

Should you wish to make a complaint to the Building Safety Regulator, you can do so via their website Contact the Building Safety Regulator - GOV.UK [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/contact-the-building-safety-regulator#:~:text=You%20can%20complain%20to%20us]

We value your feedback and are committed to resolving issues promptly and fairly. Thank you for helping us improve our services.