The Significance Of Building Regulation And Planning Permission In Modern Scenario

By Author: Garry Stacks
Total Articles: 301
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Building regulations are elementary in the construction industry namely because it involves an adherence to policies outlined for safety of a building work and the multitude of approvals needed for accomplishing the construction process. Generally, they comprise some detailed guidance manuals required to be complied to, when a building process takes place. However, these regulations keep changing to meet new building standards.
 
According to insiders, the contemporary rules have significant impacts on the construction industry, and people associated with the following fields of job:
 

Building of homes
Home renovation
Extensions

 
Architects associated with the field of construction also must comply with these set of rules. The latest of building regulations in Berkshire that have rolled out in the last few years are all eco-friendly centric. These standards have been rolled out to ensure that lesser carbon emissions take place with significantly low use of energy, especially during home improvements. ...
... Even though the previous regulations are still in practice and are applicable in recent construction processes, still anyone considering a home renovation or extension plan might just want to revise the set of rules to stay abreast with trending norms so that the entire planning process goes around, as smooth as possible.
 
Why Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?
Like most people who are not aware of laws concerning building regulations approval, you might as well give it a second thought, owing to lack of knowledge about its importance in the modern construction landscape. Every year there is a new set of laws being rolled out.
 
These regulations make it clear as to whether the work is lawfully agreeable or not. However, navigating these laws is not an easy task. Finding out relevant parts from the set of mandates can be extremely tricky. However, these days, the internet has a series of resources which can help you get through all the confusion.
 
The roll-outs are made by Government. A local authority will regularly check that all building related works, whether they are related to construction, extension or renovation are completed in compliance with the local area building regulations. Additionally, experts will conduct regular checking at different stages of work and these segments include the following:
 

Testing of soil and sub soil of the building site
Testing of materials, components and the combination of components that are applicable in the construction process.
Testing of any fitting, equipment, or service in connection to the proposed design and building.

 
Understanding the Differences between Building Regulation and Planning Permission
Building regulations give precise insights into what works are considered legal and what are illegal, concerning the building, renovation, or extension of a house/commercial unit. Meanwhile, if you have bumped into the term, planning permission and the concept seems totally unfamiliar to you here is what you must know.
 
A planning system is designed to safeguard the environment and public amenities at large. However, you should bear the fact in mind, that the system is not merely meant to protect individual interest. In the process, the councils are allowed to permit developments wherever it is perceived as necessary; while also ensuring that the amenity and character of the area do not get impacted in the process of construction or when changes are made to existing land or buildings.
 
Even though actual details of the planning requirements are much complicated but in case of most domestic developments, a planning authority will be interested to check and authenticate a domestic construction at a mere level of extension or renovation. These may include construction of structures like walls, decks, and fences. Considering the fact, that the height of these structures may invade neighbouring properties or community buildings, the planning authority will have to strictly go through the layout of a new structure or building before giving a final approval for the project.
 
Furthermore, a planning authority will come into play during any changes made to an existing building, like converting a single house into apartments or recreating a dwelling into a business unit.
 
Today, planning approval is accomplished through online submission of application forms. However, there is no guarantee that permission will always be granted for a possible construction; and without the permission, a project can never be started.
 
On the other hand, when it comes to commencing into a certain building project it is crucial to apply for an approval of building regulation. Detailed plans along with structural calculations concerning the proposed work are submitted to the authority in question. These plans will further demonstrate how a project will be accomplished while taking building regulations into account.
 
Building approval is obtainable only by contacting the building control association or with the help of a government approved officer/inspector. These officers are employees of a local governing unit that is responsible for providing complete guidance on how building regulations can be met. Furthermore, the officers will conduct various site inspections and issue a completion certificate.
 
Now these are some of the basic aspects related to building regulations and most of them cover areas such as structural alterations, electrical and sewer related works, loft conversions, and changes made to existing floor areas. Failing to comply with these regulations will mean a complete disapproval to a project.
 
About the Author: This contribution has been made by Garry Stacks who has written a number of articles on Building Regulations Berkshire and provides fruitful information.