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Building Control Guidance Note No. 1 - Understanding the Building Regulations Service

This is one of a series of building control guidance notes which aims to explain the building regulations procedures.

Understanding the Building Regulations Service

When do I need Building Regulations Approval?

When you erect or extend a building.
When you materially alter a building e.g. carry out structural alterations.
When you extend or alter a controlled service within a building e.g. new or existing drainage.
When you want to change the building's fundamental use.

Are any building work proposals exempt from Building Regulation approval?

Yes - please refer to Building Control Guidance Note No.6 - Building Work Exempt From Building Regulations.

What do we mean by a change of use?

When a building that was not previously a dwelling is used as such.
Where a building contains a flat where previously it did not.
When a building is used as a hotel, hospital, residential home or boarding house where previously it was not.
When a building becomes a public building (e.g. school, theatre, hall, church) where previously it was not.
When a building which contains one dwelling, contains a greater or lesser number of dwellings than it did previously.
When a building which was exempt from the requirements of the regulations, ceases to be so.

Having read Building Control Guidance Note No.6 - Building Work Exempt From Building Regulations you should now decide whether your building proposals need Building Regulations approval and or planning permission. If you are in any doubt please telephone (01978) 292050 and a Building Control Surveyor will be pleased to offer advice.

I believe I need Building Regulations approval. What do I do next?

There are two ways in which you can apply to us for building regulation approval:-

Either by depositing FULL PLANS, or by the
BUILDING NOTICE procedure.

Note that if you are proposing to erect a dwelling fronting a street, or a building containing offices, shops, hotels, boarding houses, factories etc you must deposit FULL PLANS.

What are the differences between the two procedures?

The benefits of the FULL PLANS procedure are:-

We will advise you on the Building Regulations at the design stage of your project, which means your plans are more likely to be passed by the Local Authority with minimal delay.
We will endeavour to give you a decision within three weeks.
You will be sent a copy of the approved plan for your records.

The benefits of the BUILDING NOTICE procedure are:-

Where the building proposals are for minor work the Building Notice procedure is simpler than the Full Plans procedure. However, there are limits to its use as stated overleaf.
It is a good idea to use a Building Notice where the proposed work is not too extensive or complex, but beware - complex or unusual designs such as loft conversions often require the provision of additional supportive information such as detailed design drawings and structural engineers calculations - any delay in supplying such information can impede the progress of work on site and accordingly we strongly recommend that all design solutions are agreed prior to work commencing on site.

Will I have to pay for Building Regulations approval?

Yes, we are obliged to make a charge for the work of administering the Building Regulations. The initial amount you have to pay will depend on whether you choose the FULL PLANS or BUILDING NOTICE procedure. Please contact Building Control to calculate the correct charge from Wrexham's 'Scheme of Charges', Tel: 01978 292050.

If I opt for the Full Plans procedure what should I do?

Read the leaflet 'Building Control Guidance Note No.3 - Applying For Approval' - it is a simple step by step guide. If you are still unsure what you should do please telephone the Building Control Surveyor for an informal chat on (01978) 292050.

If I opt for the Building Notice procedure what should I do?

When can I start work?

You do not have to wait for the plans to be passed before starting work, however, having them passed gives you some protection against unnecessary costs. After you have given us a Building Notice or sent us plans you can start work provided you contact us and arrange for a Surveyor to inspect. Information may be requested to justify certain items (e.g. structural calculations for timber beams and steelwork).

If you proceed with the work without having notified us you may be asked to undo it so that the Building Control Surveyor can check whether it complies with the Regulations. Our Building Control Surveyor will work closely with your contractor to ensure your project runs smoothly, on time and in compliance with the Building Regulations.

The Party Wall etc Act 1996 may be applicable, and may also require you to serve statutory notice on an adjoining owner to seek agreement on your proposals prior to commencing the work. If you require further advice or guidance please ask.

See Building Control Guidance Note No.9 - Your Construction Project and the Party Wall Act 1996.

Also see 'The Party Wall etc. Act 1996: Explanatory Booklet', available from our reception or in Wrexham Library.