Building Control
What happens if?
What happens when work is started?
When the work starts the Council's Building Control Section must
be notified. The regulations require notification to be given
before covering stages of work, occupation and on completion of the
building. This is the builder's responsibility unless you are
acting as your own builder.
Inspections of the works are normally made by the Council's
Building Control staff on the same day that the notification is
received providing notification is given before 10.00 am.
Notification can also be given to the Building Control Officer for
your area by telephoning 01304 872495, when it will usually be
possible to arrange the time when the inspection will be made. It
is important that the stage of work is not covered before it can be
inspected.
What happens when the building work is finished?
On Completion of the works, and before the building becomes
Occupied the builder should obtain a Certificate of Completion from
Dover District Council. This Certificate will be issued after a
final inspection has been made of completed work, and provides an
assurance that the work satisfies the substantive requirements of
the Building Regulations. This Certificate will be of great
importance in applications for loans, mortgages etc. In the case of
dwellings, an energy rating and/or details should be provided.
What is a " L.A.N.T.A.C. " type approval?
An approval issued by Local Authority Building Control in
relation to standard designs for houses, warehouses, factory units,
shops, offices, hotels and give system approval for standard
methods of construction. Dover District Council is a participating
members of the National Type approval scheme, which ensures
consistent and fast approval, on type approved projects.
What happens if I do work without approval?
The local authority has to see that building work complies with
the Regulations. If the work does not comply, you may be asked to
alter or remove it. If you fail to do this, the local authority may
serve a notice requiring you to do so or it could take court action
resulting in a fine (and in some cases a continuing daily
penalty).
What happens if a structure is dangerous?
In an emergency immediate action may be required to make a
building safe using procedure contained in the Building Acts. In
less dangerous situations the owner is given the opportunity to
take the necessary steps to make the buildings safe, but should he
fail to carry out the work, the Council may obtain a court order or
undertake the work and recover the cost from the owner.
Do I need approval before demolishing a building?
Yes - Persons wishing to demolish buildings in
excess of approximately 50 cubic metres are required to give Dover
District Council six weeks prior notification. Standard
Notification Forms for applying to demolish buildings are
obtainable from the Building Control Section. (or you can download the form). An
inspection may then be made of the building to be demolished and a
notice will be sent to the person concerned, specifying certain
works which must be carried out - such as disconnecting, sealing or
removing drains, supporting and weather-proofing exposed walls, and
the removal of rubbish from the demolition to leave the site level
and free from danger. If the work is not carried out
satisfactorily, the Council can undertake the work and recover the
cost.
Contact
Tel: 01304 872495
E-mail: buildingcontrol@dover.gov.uk
