The Building Control system exists to make sure that buildings are properly designed and constructed so as to ensure the health, safety, welfare and convenience of people using them.
Building Control is the responsibility of the Building Consultancy section of the Planning function at City of Wolverhampton Council
Areas of regulation
The current Building Regulations were introduced in 2010 and have subsequently been amended several times. The principal areas covered by the regulations are:
- structural stability - will the building safely carry anticipated loadings
- fire precautions - both controlling the materials used according to the degree of risk and making sure that buildings could be evacuated without loss of life in the event of a fire.
- the prevention of dampness and condensation in buildings.
- sound resistance of walls and floors.
- ventilation of habitable rooms and unheated voids.
- hygiene, sanitary appliances and drainage.
- heating appliances including the safe discharge of flue gasses.
- stairways, ramps and vehicle barriers.
- conservation of fuel and power. Is the building properly insulated etc.
- access to buildings and facilities for disabled people.
- the safe positioning of glazing in windows and doors etc.
The Government has published amendments to the Building Regulations, which will apply to all Building Control applications from 1st October 2023. The Government has formed a new regulatory body within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) called the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). The BSR will oversee many aspects of building safety, including Building Regulations and Building Control. If you, or someone on your behalf, have submitted a building control application, you have new legal responsibilities from 1st October 2023 as a Client, Designer or Contractor. Further information can be found in the guidance notes included on the application forms page.
Carrying out electrical work
Since 1 January 2005 all electrical work must comply with Building Regulation Part P requirements and be carried out by someone competent to carry out the work. You can find out more about complying with the regulations by visiting Electrical Safety First and the Electrical competent person website for further advice and guidance.
Stages of building control
Building control generally operates as a two-stage process, referred to as the Full Plans application.
The first stage (known as the plan stage) involves the applicant submitting detailed plans for approval. These plans are very carefully checked by a Building Control Officer to ensure that all necessary information is shown and that it complies fully with the Building Regulations. Wherever possible, applicants are given the opportunity to make amendments (if required) before either an approval, conditional approval or rejection is given.
The second stage (inspection stage) starts when work commences on site after which a series of site visits are made to check that the work proceeds in accordance with the plan, and hence complies with the regulations. You will be issued with a schedule of statutory notifications and it is important that you notify us at each of these stages as we may be unable to issue a completion certificate in the event that any of these inspections are not carried out.
For some simple works an alternative, called the Building Notice application, is also available together with more specialised application types to meet specific needs.
Building control in Wolverhampton
It comprises of two teams of surveyors and a technical support team. One team of surveyors are responsible for the North of the Wolverhampton and the City Centre. The other team is responsible for the South of the City.
It should be noted that where building work is to be carried out it may require either a Building Regulation or Planning Application, or both. It is important to understand that even if planning permission is not required a Building Regulation application may still be required.
LABC Homeowner Guides
Are you a homeowner looking to extend or make improvements or alterations to your home? Maybe you're considering building your own property? If so you may find some useful information here www.homeandbuild.co.uk/labc-homeowner-guides