FAQs —

What is the Difference between Building Regulations and Planning Permission?

It is generally realised that a form of permission is required for building work or alterations of properties. However, it may not always be clear how the Planning and Building Regulations approval regimes differ. To make things more confusing, some of the terms used are similar but have different legal meanings, so if in doubt: ask!

  • Building Regulations: set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health for people in or about 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: seeks to guide the way our towns, cities and countryside develop. This includes the use of land & buildings, the appearance of buildings, landscaping considerations, highway access and the impact that the development will have on the general environment. Conservation areas and listed buildings also have specific requirements; please check prior to starting works.
  • Useful links and guides: For more information regard your responsibilities under the Building Act 1984 and the Building Regulations 2010 follow the link below to the Governments planning Portal:
    http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/responsibilities/buildingregulations/
  • Some useful guides are also available here such as the interactive house, showing common household projects and also more detailed guides.
    http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/

Why should I use Top Building Control Ltd?

  1. Work with you not against you, we follow the substantive requirements of the Regulations rather than taking a prescriptive approach allowing you the flexibility to be creative yet still help you to achieve regulatory compliance;
  2. Cost effective and client friendly service;
  3. Common sense and practical solutions;
  4. Appointment times to allow you and us to plan our time better; including early am or late pm where available;
  5. Inspection notification framework provided at the start showing what and when we need to visit also listing the paperwork needed on completion at an early stage;
  6. Copy of the site inspection report provided;
  7. Mobile phone numbers provided for ease of contact;
  8. Online application and upload facility on our website;
  9. Email applications.