A Quick Overview On Building Regulations And Planning Permission

By Author: Garry Stacks
Total Articles: 279
Comment this article

Not anyone can randomly get a building construction done; and the rule is applicable for home remodeling as well as extensions and conversions. There are some statutory rules also known as building regulations encompassing policies outlined in a relevant legislation. Building regulations approval is required under a majority of scenarios concerning building works. Building regulations comprise well defined guidance manuals.
 
Building Regulations and Their Latest Editions
The updated rules have significant impact on owners who want to do the following:
 

Build
Extend
Renovate

 
These rules are also applicable for the architects and people involved in planning applications in Berkshire. As per the new standards, constructions or builds should be in compliance with environment-friendly norms that centre mostly on zeroing down on carbon emissions while reducing the overall use of energy during a building, extension or renovation process. Even though the previous ...
... norms are still applicable under specific home improvement and building scenarios, the ones that have been rolled out in recent years are backed by billions of pounds worth investments, all of which are directed towards improving upon overall energy efficiency during construction of public buildings.
 
Key Changes to Building Regulations
The building standards and their updates focus mainly on a key factor- all new or upcoming builds must be net-zero with respect to carbon emissions. Even though the updates are applicable majorly on non-domestic buildings, there are some policies which are solely valid for housing facilities.
 
Wondering if You Will Need A Building Regulations Approval?
The building regulations make one thing clear; they tell you about what work will get an approval and what will not. However, these regulations are difficult for a common man to understand unless there is an architect or a professional to assist them. Moreover, there are useful resources which are considered extremely educative and helpful in removing confusion.
 
In a majority of instances, it’s the Local Authority which is responsible for ensuring that new builds, renovations and extensions meet with the current building regulations. The works must be completed in adherence with an approved plan. With this regard the role of planning applications in Berkshire comes into the forefront. Authorities will conduct a thorough checking at specific stages of a construction work.
 
The checking will include investigation on the following grounds:
 

Tests conducted on the soil and sub soil of a site where the building is to be constructed
Examining of materials or components used in combinations which are proposed for the construction work
Investigating any service, equipment or fitting related to the construction process.

 
The Chief Differences Between Planning Permission and Building Regulations
The planning system is designed to protect environmental interests along with all the public amenities or facilities. However, the system is particularly not designed to safeguard interests of any specific individual. The Councils are responsible for allowing development wherever there is a need, and during this span they will make sure that the character or form of an amenity are not impacted by new builds, renovations or extensions. Any changes made to an existing building or piece of land will be considered by the planning authority.
 
Planning requirements are generally complex by nature. However, in most cases where domestic developments are involved, the authority will only be concerned with the construction job which can include an extension or a provision for new outbuildings and new garage.
 
On certain occasions structures like the following will be considered by the authority owing to their height and siting as they might invade the privacy or rights of the neighbourhood and several members of a community living in the area:
 

Fences
Decks
Walls

 
Additionally, the authority may demand planning applications in Berkshire in cases where an approval is needed for changes in use of an existing building, like conversion of a house into an apartment or business unit, on the same premises.
 
In today’s times the planning applications are done using an online portal. However, it is to be noted that there is no guarantee on whether or not the planning authority will grant a permission to carry out a new build, a conversion or renovation. Furthermore, no project can ever start without the permit.
 
However, on instances where the face of the building will not be changed during a renovation or remodeling, the planning authority is likely to give permission to carry out these changes. These are known as “permitted development rights”.
 
If ever you need to renovate your home, get an outbuilding constructed or say get an extension done on your existing dwelling, it is crucial to first approach the planning portal which is meant for submitting applications. After you pay for the planning approval application, it is generally confirmed and is passed on to the local planning authority for processing of the application. Most importantly the planning applications are submitted in a form.
 
The Process to Apply for Acquiring Planning Permission
Follow these steps to acquire a permission for an upcoming renovation, remodeling or extension project:
 

Consulting the local authority. Checking with the local planning office and finding out if a permission is needed.
Submitting the application where details of a site plan, its design and other documents are provided.
Public consultation is elementary. Your neighbours along with the local community groups will be surveyed for feedbacks on the project.
The decision process will take place after the outlines of the project is assessed as per the local policies.

 
Consider these important aspects whenever you feel there is a need for remodeling, conversion or extension.
 
About the Author: This contribution has been made by Garry Stacks who has written a number of articles on Planning Applications Berkshire and provides fruitful information.