If you want to renovate a new home in the UK, you will likely need permission before starting any building work and there are two main types of permission you might need to seek: Building Regulations (building regs) and Planning Permissions. If you are doing any extension work, you may need both.
Building Regulations
Remember that Building Regulations set the minimum standards for building design and construction to make sure that all work is done properly.
They include safety standards for building things like staircases and chimneys, as well as making sure that boilers are efficient and that there are accessible facilities for people with disabilities.
Before you carry out any building work, you or your builder/architect/surveyor must submit full plans for approval to your local council’s building control team or through the building’s notice procedure.
Building regulations cover:
- Reinforcing the foundations of a building if needed.
- Ensuring the building is structurally stable.
- Installing fire safety measures, including fire escapes.
- Protecting the building from water and weather.
- Mindfulness in using toxic substances in insulation.
- Consideration of sound insulation between buildings and rooms.
- Adhering to design standards for sanitary pipework and drainage.
- Safely designing, installing, inspecting, and testing electrical installations.
If you plan to do work either inside or outside your home, you might need approval to ensure it meets these regulations.
Planning Permissions
Planning permissions focus on a building’s external appearance and ensure that landscaping plans complement the local surroundings.
They are meant to prevent unattractive or overly large extensions from being built in a way that doesn’t fit in with the rest of the area.
If you’re building a new home or making changes to your current one, you’ll need to get planning permission. There are various types of permission to consider, but as your builder we can help you figure out which ones apply to your project.
Thinking about making changes to your home or property? Here are some things to consider:
Householder Planning Consent
You’ll need this if planning extensions, conservatories, loft conversions, dormer windows, garages, or outbuildings.
Full Planning Consent
You’ll need this if you’re changing the number of dwellings on the site or the use of a property. Internal renovations usually don’t need planning permission.
Outline Planning Consent
See if your plans will likely be approved before committing to high costs.
Conservation Area Planning Permission
If you live in a conservation area, you’ll need planning permission before any relevant property demolition.
Listed Building Consent
If your property is of national architectural or historical interest, there are extra conditions before work can begin.
You can see if a property is listed by searching the National Heritage List for England by postcode. You can also search using the interactive map.
Lawful Development Certificate
For peace of mind that your work is lawful or that you don’t need planning permission, you can apply for a certificate.
Retrospective Planning Permission
Made changes without permission? You can still apply for planning permission after the fact.
Building Regulations in West Oxfordshire
In West Oxfordshire, there are two options for building control:
Full Plans Application
This is for major work and is suitable for all building projects that require full plans to be submitted. You’ll need to wait three to four weeks before starting the job.
When applying for full building control, make sure to include detailed plans, elevations, sections, technical notes, supporting calculations, and specifications.
If you have a large project in mind, as your builders, we would need to submit a plan to gain permission to build it.
Usually, this would be to West Oxfordshire County Council Building Control, which is based in Witney. There is a small fee. The application forms are on their page.
Building Notice
If you’re doing minor work, you can simply inform building control by submitting a building notice. Often, you’ll be able to start your work just 48 hours after the submission.
Exemptions from Building Regulations
At H&OB Building, we’re familiar with different types of buildings exempt from certain building regulations. We’re here to help and can provide you with advice tailored to your specific plans. Remember, some works are exempt from all regulations, while others are only exempt from certain aspects.
We’ve got you covered – just contact us to find out more.