What are the Building Regulations?
The Building Regulations are levels of performance laid down by
Parliament, dealing with the construction of buildings, and with
illustrated guidance in the
Approved Documents to assist in
interpretation. You should bear in mind that the Building
Regulations deal primarily with minimum standards of health and
safety. Should you require a standard in excess of this, you might
be advised to additionally employ independent professional
supervision.
What is their purpose and what do they cover?
The Building Regulations set standards for the
design and construction of buildings, primarily to ensure
the health and safety for people in or around those
buildings, but also for energy conservation and access to and about
buildings.
If you want to put up a new building, extend or alter an
existing one, or provide fittings such as drains or heat-producing
appliances, the Building Regulations will probably apply. They may
also apply if you wish to put an existing building to a different
use. Building Regulation approval is completely separate from
planning permission. If you get one, it does not mean you will
automatically get the other.
Why comply with the Building Regulations?
It's important to understand building regulations, as you are
responsible for making sure that the work complies with them if you
are carrying out building work personally. If you are
employing a builder, the responsibility will usually be theirs -
but you should confirm this at the beginning. Also bear in mind
that if you are the owner of the building, it is ultimately you who
may be served with an enforcement notice if the work does not
comply with the regulations.
Remember that complying with Building Regulations is a
separate matter from getting planning permission for your
work.
Contact Building Control
Tel: 01304 872495
Email: buildingcontrol@dover.gov.uk
