Building Control Guidance Note No.6 - Building Work Exempt from Building Regulations

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

Building Work Exempt From Building Regulations

Detached building (shed etc)

• No sleeping accommodation.
• Not exceeding 15 square metres in floor area.

Greenhouse/conservatory

• A conservatory must have a glass/translucent roof. Attached to the house and not exceeding 30 square metres in floor area.
• Single storey.
• Existing entrance doors and/or windows must be retained.
• Must be used for no other purpose.
• Must incorporate safety glazing in critical locations.

Garage

• Detached.
• Not exceeding 30 square metres in floor area.
• 1 metre or more from any boundary or substantially non-combustible.

Porch

• Must be used for no other purpose.
• Not exceeding 30 square metres in floor area.
• Single storey.
• Existing entrance doors and/or windows to be retained.
• Must incorporate safety glazing in critical locations.

Carport

• Open on at least two sides (doors are not an open side).
• Not exceeding 30 square metres in floor area.
• Single Storey.

Note: Structures that are exempt from Building Regulation Approval may still require planning permission. If in doubt telephone the Planning Control section: tel 01978 292017.

New Rules for Electrical Safety in the Home

From 1 January 2005 people carrying out electrical work in homes and gardens in England and Wales will have to follow the new rules in the Building Regulations.

Scope & Requirements

Part P of the Building Regulations applies to fixed mains and extra low voltage electrical installations including:-

• Mains wiring and equipment
• Extra low voltage lighting
• Central heating electrics
• Electronic systems such as intruder and fire alarm systems.

Part P applies to electrical installations in dwelling houses and flats (but not rooms for residential purposes) and to extensions to electrical installations in the following which are exempt from Schedule Two of the Building Regulations but not the requirements of Part P:-

• Conservatories
• Porches
• Gardens
• Garages

For further information contact:

Chief Planning Officer, Lambpit Street, PO Box 1290, Wrexham, LL11 1WL.

Email: planning@wrexham.gov.uk
Tel: 01978 292050
Fax: 01978 292502

Adopted October 2002.

Updated September 2005

A copy of this leaflet is available to download in the following format:

Building Work Exempt from Building Regulations - PDF format 1.4mb

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