Q1. What are the Building Regulations?
Q2. How can I obtain Building Regulation approval?
Q3. Do my proposed works require Building Regulation approval?
Q4. What are the advantages of a FULL PLANS application?
Q5. What types of works are suitable for the BUILDING NOTICE procedure?
Q6. What are the advantages of the BUILDING NOTICE procedure?
Q7. What is the Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme (FENSA)?
Q8. Where can I get a copy of the Building Regulations 2000 (as amended)?
Q9. How can I ensure that my proposals comply with the Building Regulations?
Q10. Is there a charge for this service?
Q11. Am I required to inform my neighbours when I make a Building Regulation application and do they have the right to object to the proposed works?
Q12. How long is my application valid for?
Q13. When can I start work on my proposals?
Q14. What happens if I depart from the approved plans?
Q15. Who makes the Building Regulations?
Q16. What is the scope of the Building Regulations?
Q17. What happens after I have submitted my Full Plans application to the Local Authority?
Q18. What can I do if my plans are rejected?
Q19. What happens if I contravene the Building Regulations?
Q20. Will I get a completion certificate?
Q21. If work has been carried out on my property and I do not have Building Regulation approval, what should I do?
Q22. Where can I get a copy of Building Regulation decision notices and completion certificates for my property and is there a charge for this service? What are the Building Regulations?


Q1 What are Building Regulations?
The Building Regulations are concerned with the constructional details of buildings and set down minimum standards to safeguard the health and safety of persons in and around buildings; conserve fuel and power and provide facilities for disabled people. They are applied by all local authorities in England and Wales and therefore apply on a national basis. (Scotland has similar but separate Regulations)
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Q2 How can I obtain Building Regulation approval for my building work?
You have the choice of adopting one of two alternative procedures under which the work can be carried out; Full Plans Building Notice If you have appointed an architect or other suitably qualified person to prepare plans the procedures should be known by them and they will act as your agent to apply on your behalf. This is recommended as the best course for peopled not experienced in building work.
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Q3 What are the advantages of a FULL PLANS application?

• The process of preparing the plans allows you to carefully consider your proposals and receive professional advice.
• You can see your proposals giving you a clear indication of how they will affect your property and if the works will meet your needs.
• It will be easier for the builder to prepare an accurate quotation since they will have plans to refer to.
• It will be easier to explain to your builder what works you are proposing and there will be less room for error and disputes.
• The plans will form part of a contract between you and your builder.
• If you are borrowing money in order to finance your proposals you will need to have plans to show the bank or building society.
• You will receive an Approval Notice for the works.
• If your Contractor builds in accordance with the approved plans you can be confident of compliance with the Building Regulations.
• The plans will form a historical record of the works that have been carried out and can be lodged with the deeds of your property.

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Q4 What types of works are suitable for the BUILDING NOTICE procedure?
Internal alterations involving the removal of one or two walls, installation of boilers or other heating appliances, insertion of windows, installation of bathrooms and other drainage, garages / carports (not exempt from building regulation), underpinning of foundations and insertion of thermal insulation in cavity wall.
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Q5 What are the advantages of the BUILDING NOTICE procedure?
Works can commence 48 hours after the giving of a Building Notice. Detailed plans are not always required resulting in savings in time and cost. With this procedure you must be confident that the works will comply with the Building Regulations or you risk having to correct it after inspection. You may be asked to submit plans and calculations at a later stage.
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Q6 What are the disadvantages of the BUILDING NOTICE Procedure?
No approval notice will be issued A Building Notice may not be accepted for mortgage purposes. The Building Notice procedure can not be used where it is intended to carry out work in relation to a building subject to the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 or put to or intended to be put to a use designated for the purpose of the Fire Precautions Act 1971
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Q7 What is FENSA (Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme)?
The alternative to making an application to the local authority is to opt for a company or individual registered with the FENSA scheme. This has been developed by the Glass and Glazing Federation in close consultation with the Government as a quality assurance scheme that will require installers to issue insurance backed guarantees. FENSA registered firms will issue a completion certificate to FENSA which will issue a copy to the house holders.
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Q8 Where can I get a copy of the Building Regulations 2000 (as amended)?
A 'Building Regulations Explanatory Booklet' and the current building regulations can be viewed on the Office of Deputy Prime Minister and they may also be available for inspection in main libraries. You can also obtain copies from Her Majesty's Stationary Office.
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Q9 How can I ensure that my proposals comply with the Building Regulations?
Each part of the Building Regulations is supported by Approved Documents that provide technical guidance on how to meet the regulations. There is no obligation to adopt any of the guidance in the Approved Documents and designers may wish to refer to other documents such as

• British Standards
• British Standards Codes of Practice
• Agreement Certificates 
• Technical Certificates and Approved Technical Specification
• Harmonised Standards

To design in accordance with the Approved Documents tends to show compliance in the event of any dispute concerning works.

If the guidance in the Approved Document is not followed, it will be for the designer to demonstrate by other means that the Regulations have been satisfied.
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Q10 Is there a charge for this service?
Yes. The level of the fee can be determined from our Building Control Charges or if you telephone us we can advise you of the correct fee.

Please note that the fee is for the lodging of the application and not for granting a decision.

Building Control may wish to have the cost of the works verified. if so, it is likely that reference would be made to the cost index provided by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This records what it normally costs to build different types of building in different areas.
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Q11 Am I required to inform my neighbours when I make a building regulation application and do they have the right to object to the proposed works?
No. Building Control approval only relates to the Building Regulations. Where the proposed building work is likely to affect or involve a mutual part of a building or adjoining building, you may have other legal obligations.

It is advisable to inform any affected or interested parties. Your work could also be subject to other statutory requirements, such as Planning Permission, Fire Precautions, Water Regulations, Licensing and the Party Wall Act 1996.
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Q12 How long is the application valid for?
A Building Regulation application is valid for three years from the date of deposit. If you have started the works within the three years, there is no time limit to finish.
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Q13 When can I start work on my proposals?
If you have served a Building Notice you may begin work at any time, providing that you give Building Control Service two clear working days notice of commencement of works.

On the other hand if you have opted to deposit a full plans application you should wait for a notice of approval from the Local Authority. Once you have approval you may begin work providing again that you give the Building Control Services two working days notice of commencement of works.

If you opt for the Full Plans application route you will then have the protection of knowing that as long as you are building in accordance with the approved plans plans that the Council cannot take enforcement action against you for failing to comply with the Building Regulations.

You can also start work once the Full Plans application has been submitted and accepted. However, all works will be at your own risk until the application is approved and you may be asked to pull down, alter or remove any works that are subsequently found not to comply with the Regulations.
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Q14 What happens if I depart from the approved plans?
If you submitted a Full Plans application the Council will continue to inspect while work is in progress but it may ask for amended plans to be submitted. Ultimately the works carried out on site must comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations.
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Q15 Who makes the Building Regulations?
Building Regulations are made by the Secretary of State for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) under the powers contained in the Building Act 1984. The current edition is 'The Building Regulations 2000 (as amended)' and the majority of works are required to comply with them.

The Act also gives power to Maldon District Council to ensure that building work within the district complies with the requirements of the Building Regulations. From time to time the Building Regulations are amended by the ODPM and if you have doubts concerning your proposals you are advised to check with Maldon Building Control Service before proceeding.
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Q16 What is the scope of the Building Regulations?
The Building Regulations are grouped under 14 'parts'. The 'parts' cover a range of individual aspects of building design and construction as follows;

• Structure
• Fire Safety
• Resistance to Moisture and Contaminants
• Toxic Substances
• Resistance to Passage of Sound
• Ventilation and Condensation
• Hygiene
• Drainage and Waste Disposal
• Heat Producing Appliances
• Staircases and Protection from Falling; Collision and Impact
• Conservation of Fuel and Power
• Access and Facilities for Disabled People
• Glazing - Safety in Relation to Impact, Opening and Cleaning
• Electrical Safety

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Q17 What happens after I have submitted my Full Plans application to the Local Authority?

• Checks are made to see if all the necessary forms, fees and plans have been submitted.
• The application is entered on the Building Control register
• The plans etc are checked by a Building Control Officer to see if the proposals comply with the Building Regulations
• If there are discrepancies or insufficient information has been submitted it is normal for an amendment letter to be sent to the Agent/ Applicant requesting amendments
• Amended plans will be checked and if they show compliance with the regulations the application will be approved.
• If there are matters still requiring adjustments you will be notified and further amendment letter be sent to the Agent/ Applicant
• A decision notice will be issued within 5 weeks of the date of deposit, or with the Agent/ Applicants agreement this can be extended to 8 weeks.
• The decision notice will indicate the decision, any conditions imposed on the approval or where necessary the reasons why the proposal was refused.

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