Building Control
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about
building control.
For a full selection of frequently asked questions and
answers, visit the Local Authority
Building Control website.
How do I make a Building Control
application?
You can find
a
building control application form on our website and the Planning
Portal website.
You can email the completed application and plans to
reception.BCO@newham.gov.uk
or
http://submitaplan.com.
You can submit a Building Regulation application in the post to the
council's offices at the following address:
Building Control
London Borough of
Newham
1000 Dockside Road
London
E16 2QU
Please note applications are generally processed faster if they are
provided to the council through the internet. Extra time for
validation should be allowed for paper applications sent through
the postal system. More information can be found in the application
packs and guidance notes about how to make an application.
The Planning Portal website also includes helpful information and
contains interactive tools, mini guides and other detailed
information about what would require Building Control permission,
as well as simple information about the Building Regulations. This
is available at
www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations.
Should you not find relevant information using these resources you
can speak with a Duty Officer between 9am and 1pm on 020 3373 8200.
You can also e-mail the Duty Officer at
reception.bco@newham.gov.uk.
How
much will my Application Cost?
Applications require a fee to be paid when you submit the documents
to the council, please
read our guide to fees which also gives you further details of
different ways to pay. If you have a fee query or you want to make
a payment on the phone please call 020 3373 8200 in the first
instance or 020 3373 4120.
How do I book an
inspection for a Building Control Officer to
attend?
To book an inspection call 020 8430 2000.
What happens if I carry out
work without a Building Regulation
Application?
- You are potentially putting the health and safety of the people
in the property at risk
- You risk having to carry out expensive alterations or demolish
the work
- You risk going to court and receiving an expensive fine
- You risk the facts coming to light in the future when you try
and sell the property.
Where can I view Building Control
information and histories of properties or land?
You can view building control histories at the
Public Access pages of the website.
Do the
Council offer a Duty Service for general Building Control
advice?
Online resources such as the Planning Portal and the council's
website provide detailed information about all matters relating to
Building Control. Should you require further information or advice
you can speak informally with a Duty Officer on 020 3373
8200.
My neighbour has built onto my
land and/or water is coming into my property from my neighbour what
can I do?
Such issues are not within the remit of the Local Planning
Authority or Building Control service. Such matters are considered
civil matters and should be pursued as such. In such matters it is
suggested you firstly speak with the neighbour and try to resolve
the issues. Should this not resolve the matter you may need to take
further action. The Citizen's Advice Bureau can provide more
information and advice. You can find advice on Party Wall matters
in the
DCLG Party Wall explanatory booklet.
Where can I find more information
about boundary disputes and issues?
Such issues are not for the Council to become involved with and are
considered civil disputes which need to be dealt with as such. In
such matters it is suggested you firstly speak with the neighbour
and try to resolve the issues. Should this not resolve the matter
you may need to take further action. The Citizen's Advice Bureau
can provide more information and advice and you may need to speak
with a solicitor. You can find advice on Party Wall matters in the
DCLG Party Wall explanatory booklet.
My neighbour's builder is making
noise, creating dust, throwing old tiles / bricks from the building
or generally making a nuisance.
Subject to circumstances these types of issues are dealt with by
either our
noise
pollution team or the
Health and Safety
Executive (HSE).
Where can
I find more information about building regulations for building
work?
Building regulations apply in England and Wales and promote
standards for most aspects of a building's construction, energy
efficiency in buildings, the needs of all people, including those
with disabilities, in accessing and moving around buildings. The
council offer a
building
control service.
How can I make a
complaint about the service I have received from the
council?
Should you feel aggrieved by the service you may have received from
the council you can make a formal complaint. Further information is
available at the following link.
Can the
council recommend a builder?
Unfortunately we are not able to do you this. However, we can
provide you with some
guidance
to make sure you ask the right questions to help you with your
choice.
Do I need building regulation
approval to make internal alterations within my
property?
Yes, if the alterations are of a structural nature such as the
removal or part removal of a load bearing wall, or removal of part
or the whole of a chimney. Approval is also required if the
alterations affect fire safety such as changed layouts which may
involve the removal or installation of non-load bearing walls or if
the alteration involves the insertion of a wall, column, pier, beam
or lintel. If alterations affect the stability of the building then
the alteration is a structural one and requires approval. The
installation or alteration to a kitchen, toilet or bathroom
including drainage also requires approval. If you are unsure if the
alteration will require approval then seek the advice of an expert.
Find out more about whether you need building control
approval.
Do I need building
control permission to remove a chimney stack and internal fire
places?
Yes
Do I need
building regulation approval to build an extension to my
property?
Yes
Do I need building
regulation approval to build or extend my
basement?
Yes
Do I need building
regulation approval to recover my roof?
Yes
Do I need building
regulation approval to convert my loft into a
room?
Yes you do, and we recommend that you make a
Full Plan application. This will enable us to check your plans
for compliance before you start work. You will also need to provide
full structural calculations. Application is required even if the
area is to be used for storage.
Do I need building
regulation approval to convert my garage into a habitable
room?
Yes, even if it is only a store or hobbies room. You will also need
planning permission.
Do I need building
regulation approval to install extend or alter my domestic
electrics or to install replacement windows or to put solar panels
on my roof?
Yes, but if you use an installer who is a member of a
competent person
scheme they will self certify and notify the local authority on
your behalf as a matter of course. Alternatively an application is
required.
Search for
installers in your area who are members of a competent person
scheme.
Do I need building
regulation approval to install cavity insulation into my
house?
Yes. But if you use an approved installer they will generally
submit a Building Notice on your behalf as a matter of
course.
Do I need building
regulation approval to convert a property into flats or a
house?
Yes
Conservatories
and other exempt building works
There are some limited building works which are exempt from the
building regulations including the erection of conservatories but
there are strict rules attached to these exemptions. Unless you
have professional advice it is best to check if your work is exempt
before starting to avoid costly alterations at a later stage.
Find out more.
What should I do if my project
includes building over or close to a public
sewer?
As well as making your Building Regulation Application you should
contact Thames Water.