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Although Planning and Building Control work alongside each other, they are not the same. The Development Control group within Planning is concerned with providing for new development, and protecting and conserving the natural and built environment of the Borough. For the homeowner, in very simple terms, Development Control is concerned with matters of site layout, how your proposal will look, and how it will affect the surrounding environment.
In comparison, Building Control is the system by which the health, safety, and welfare of people in and about buildings is safeguarded. This is achieved by checking building proposals for compliance with minimum standards known as the Building Regulations. Works are then supervised on site to ensure that these minimum standards are maintained. When the Building Control Officers are satisfied that the works are completed in accordance with the Building Regulations, a 'Completion Certificate' is issued, which is required upon the sale of property or by mortgage lenders. The Building Regulations cover all aspects of work, from minor drainage alterations to the erection of new large industrial units.
Planning and Building Control are completely separate divisions, and work to entirely different legislation. Some types of work may not require any approvals. Other types of work may require an application for both planning and building regulation approval, and some may need one or the other.
Other responsibilities of the Building Control division are as follows:
You can submit a Building Regulations Application on-line and track the progress of your Building Regulations Application (providing that you gave us your e-mail address upon submission). In addition, you can view key documents and site inspection details relating to your application. Simply Register and Login here to access either service.
Anyone can now also search for a Building Regulations Application that has been made for a property or a parcel of land in the Borough without the need to Register or Login. Follow this link and perform a search.
LABC is the national organisation representing local authority building control departments in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You can find out more on their website by clicking the picture link below.