Information for Agents/Builders
What is the difference?
Most people realise that some form of permission is required for building work or alterations to a property. However, it is not always clear how the Planning and Building Regulations approval processes differ and when they apply.
The interactive house on the Planning Portal interactive house gives some good general guidance.
Building Regulations
Set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health of people in or around those buildings. They also include requirements to ensure that fuel and power is conserved and facilities are provided for people, including those with disabilities, to access and move around inside buildings.
Planning Permission
Seeks to guide the way our towns, cities and countryside develop. This includes the use of land and buildings, the appearance of buildings, landscaping considerations, highway access and the impact that the development will have on the general environment.
For many types of building work, separate permission under both sets of legislation will be required. For other building work, such as internal alterations, Buildings Regulations approval will probably be needed, but Planning Permission may not. If you are in any doubt you should contact us at the Building Control Partnership and we will be happy to answer your questions.