Planning & Building Control
Full Planning Applications & Building Control Approval
National Steel Buildings work with several Partner Architects who can help take the headache out of both the Planning Application & Building Control Approval process.
They all have years of experience and will be able to guide you through the entire process.
Will I Need Planning Permission?
Most building projects will need planning permission from your local authority. However, occasionally steel buildings projects can fall under what is known as permitted development rights meaning planning permission is not required.
We would always advise you to to double check before any work commences to make sure.
Most building projects will need planning permission from your local authority. However, occasionally projects can fall under what is known as permitted development rights meaning planning permission is not required.
We would always advise you to to double check before any work commences to make sure.
Planning Information
If your project requires planning approval, your application will typically fall in to 2 categories:
Minor – for projects less than 1000m2 – which take about 8 weeks on average
Major – for projects more than 1000m2 – which take about 13 weeks on average
When calculating floor space all areas including canopies & mezzanine floors need to be included if they are to be incorporated in the building.
The planning application will need to specify various factors, such as; but not limited to; will it be a heated building, will it require additional car parking, will it require new access from a highway…….
Once the planning application is approved your local authority will issue a planning certificate which will specify any conditions for your planning consent, this will typically cover such things as; but not limited to; materials to be used, external finishes and the colour of the building.
This is process is a much cheaper option and is where we can submit a pre-planning application to your local authority at a small cost (costs vary from council to council).
This process usually takes a few weeks and will give a very good indication of the likely outcome of a Full Planning Application as well as identifying any potential major issues before spending more money than is required.
You can find more information here
www.planningportal.gov.uk
Building Control Approval
Building Regulations/Control Approval is a separate process to the Planning Application and on some projects, you may need both in place prior to commencing any work on your site.
What is Building Regulations Approval?
Building Control Approval is needed to make sure the technical design of your building meets current building regulations and factors in such things as; but not limited to; foundation design, cladding performance, fire boundary conditions (If applicable) and structural integrity of your new building.
Local Authority Fees
Unfortunately, as with anything to do with the local authorities, there are fees payable which vary from project to project and is payable on application.
Once Building Control are happy your building meets building regulations, a plan approval certificate will be issued. Building Control officers may then visit your site upon completion of the foundation and at varying stages of the building process to make sure that your new building is being installed/erected as per the issued approval certificate.
Once all checks are finalised on your completed building, Building Control will issue your completion certificate.
You can find more information here
www.gov.uk/building-regulations-approval
