What is Building Control?
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:
- Ensuring that dangerous structures are made safe
- Acting consultants to the licensing division, undertaking inspection of licensed premises
- Addressing/readdressing of properties
- Disabled access advice
- Ensuring public safety at Oldham Athletic football ground
LABC
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.
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