Building Control: Frequently Asked Questions

No. Very often people are confused by the need to obtain 'approval' from the Council for their building work. The fact is that Building Regulations and Planning are two separate types of service that control building works. In general terms, Planning deals with issues such as aesthetics, the impact on the general environment, traffic and neighbour notification etc. Building Control ensures that buildings are constructed properly and in accordance with current standards and regulations. This is done by checking the information provided with the application and then inspecting the construction work as it progresses on site. The Building Regulations are concerned with health and safety issues, energy conservation and disabled access and use of buildings.

For the majority of building works, two separate applications are necessary because you will require both Building Regulation approval and Planning consent.

The vast majority of building work requires Building Regulation approval, with only a small amount of minor works and structures being exempt.

The best advice we can give us is to contact a member of the planning or building control teams, who are here to help you and can advise whether planning permission or building regulation approval is required.