When is Building Regulations Approval Required?

Building Regulations Approval is only for the purpose of the Building Regulations 2000 and the Building Act 1984. It is not an approval under the Town and Country Planning Act or for any other statutory provision.

The following questions and answers are for general guidance only.  If you require more specific advice, please contact one of the Building Consultancy Team using the details at the bottom of the page.

When is Building Regulations Required?

Does the work you want to carry out on your property include any of the following:

Erection of a new dwelling?
Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

Erection of an extension to a dwelling?
Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice

Erection of a conservatory or porch?
Generally no, see Exemptions. Otherwise, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

Erection of a small detached garage?
Generally no, see Exemptions. Otherwise, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

Erection of a carport?
Generally no, see Exemptions.

Change the use of a building?
Generally yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice. However, in some situations, you will only be able to make a Full Plans application.

Convert a single dwelling to flats?
Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

Create a room or rooms in a loft (roof space)?
Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice. You are strongly advised consulting the Building Control Surveyors to discuss fire safety matters that will arise on this type of work before making your application.

To install or alter the position of a WC, Shower, Bath, Basin, Sink and its drainage, etc?
Yes. In all cases, where the work involves new or an extension of drainage or plumbing. Unless the work is supervised by a registered installer [ ie. a IoP Registered (Building Regulations) Plumber ] authorised under the Building (amendment) Regulations 2002 - S.I. 440 2002.

To install or alter the position of a heating appliance?
Gas: Yes, unless a CORGI registered installer under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations supervises the work.
Solid fuel: Yes. Unless the work is supervised by a HETAS registered installer authorised under the Building (amendment) Regulations 2002 - S.I.440 2002.
Oil: Yes. Unless the work is supervised by an OFTEC registered installer authorised under the Building (amendment) Regulations 2002 - S.I. 440 2002.
Electric: Yes, for domestic properties after 1 January 2005.

To alter in any way (re-using of old chimneys or closed fireplaces ) the construction of chimneys, fireplaces, hearths or flues?
Yes.

To install (new or replacement) hot water storage?
Yes. Unless the work is supervised by a registered installer [ ie. a IoP Registered (Building Regulations) Plumber ] authorised under the Building (Amendment) Regulations 2002 - S.I. 440 2002

Install electric wiring?
Yes From 1st January 2005, if the work is in a dwelling or the garden, (although there are some exceptions) you will need to make a Full Plan application or submit a Building Notice unless your electrician is registered with a competent persons self-certification scheme.

Replace a roof covering with a similar weight material?
Generally no, if you are not making any changes to the roof structure. However, if more structural supports are needed, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

Replace a roof covering with a different material (for example, replacing slates with concrete tiles)?
Yes, as the loadings are higher, it is likely that the roof structure and supports will need to be strengthened.

Replace windows?
Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice, or the work can be carried out by a FENSA registered installer.

Note: Replacement of windows to a commercial or industrial building cannot be carried out under the FENSA scheme

Structurally alter the inside of a building (for example, the removal of an internal wall or chimney breast)?
Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

Structurally alter the outside of a building (for example, putting in a new window or patio doors)?
Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

Underpin foundations?
Yes, you will need to make a Full Plans application or submit a Building Notice.

Further information can be found on the following pages:

• The Application Process
• Types of Application
• Building Control forms and fees 
• Site Inspections
• When works are Complete
• Irregular Work 
• Guidance and Advice

If you would like to speak to a member of the Building Consultancy Team please contact us, details below.

Contact Details

Building Consultancy

Email - buildingconsultancy@chester.gov.uk

Opening hours - 8.45am - 4.45pm

Phone number - 01244 402224

Fax - 01244 321876

Address - Building Consultancy, Development Directorate, Chester City Council, The Forum, Chester, CH1 2HS