Understanding Building Control Approval

Understanding Building Control Approval

By Ruth MacEachern

Product Manager

This article offers advice and guidance on the building control approval process to help construction managers and developers navigate it with confidence.

We'll explain why you need to follow the building control process and the steps involved from application submission to receiving approval. Every stakeholder has an important role, from construction workers to the local authority and Approved Inspector – it's up to you to understand your part in the building control approval process.

Why does the building control process exist?

The building control process ensures that any new or renovated building meets the UK government's Building Regulations. These have been established to provide minimum standards for:

• Health and Safety
• Building quality and infrastructure
• Ventilation
• Workmanship and materials
• Environmental requirements

There are several parts to the Building Regulations, from A to S, giving individual guidelines for areas such as fire safety, building access and use, and contaminant and moisture resistance.

Which regulation refers to ventilation?

With the need to make buildings more energy efficient, by reducing heat loss and draughts, there is an increasing requirement for mechanical extract ventilation (MEV) and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). Therefore, ventilation has its own set of regulations.

In the UK, Approved Document F of the Building Regulations applies to ventilation in buildings. This document was amended in 2021, and is now split into 2 volumes:

• Volume 1 – dwellings
• Volume 2 – non-dwellings

Any window or door fitted after this date must meet the regulations.

Approved Document F outlines the specific requirements for ventilation in different types of buildings.

The objective of these regulations is to ensure there is adequate air circulation in a building to maintain good indoor air quality. This prevents problems such as condensation, mould and damp, which can cause health issues such as asthma.

To be awarded building control approval for new builds or renovations, the ventilation system needs to comply with Approved Document F. This usually involves submitting calculations or test results demonstrating there is sufficient ventilation. The test can be carried out by a local authority representative or a private contractor.

How does the Building control approval Process work?

There are different steps to follow in the building control process to achieve building control approval to ensure the project is safe and meets the required standards.

1. Is approval required?

The first step is to check if approval is needed. The answer is likely to be 'yes' for professional projects however, it is always worth checking on the UK government website if you are unsure.

2. Choosing the type of application

There are two main application procedures for building control approval:

Full plans application - This is the most detailed option and is suitable for complex projects. The following must be submitted to request pre-construction approval, which reduces the risk of delays and potential additional costs at a later stage:

• Detailed plans to include elevations and boundaries 
• Specifications and calculations for structural integrity
• Ventilation plans

The submission must be completed using the local authority application form and be accompanied by the relevant fee, which depends on the authority, the project's size and its complexity.

Building notice – this is a simpler approach suitable for smaller projects.  A basic notification must be submitted and work can usually begin within two days.

Good to know – free ventilation design service

EnviroVent's specialist design team will create your ventilation project plans. This FREE service uses BIM-compliant Revit design software to tailor-make the plans to your project.

3. Submitting the application

The application must be made to the local authority's Building Control Body which may be the council itself or a privately approved inspector.

4. Review and approval

The Building Control Body will consider the application and check it complies with the Building Regulations and Approved Documents. Plenty of time should be allowed for this stage of the project as amendments to the plans may be requested.

Good to know – a building notice does not require approval

If you are submitting plans a for a smaller project you do not need formal building control approval and can begin work within two days.

5. Inspections

Once the plans have been approved, the Building Control Body will supply a inspection service plan to be carried out. A registered building inspector will visit the site to ensure the construction complies with the regulations. The project manager should liaise with the building inspector to arrange suitable visit dates.

6. Completion certificate

Upon satisfactory completion of the project, the Building Control Body will issue a completion certificate within 8 weeks for full plans. This essential document verifies that your building meets the Building Regulations and is safe to occupy.

By following the building control process, stakeholders can be confident that the construction project meets the essential safety and performance standards. This not only protects the occupants of the building but also ensures it meets energy efficiency and environmental requirements.

A well-managed building control process can prevent costly delays later in the project. It also enhances the reputation of everyone involved in the project, presenting a united team that works together to meet all the necessary regulations.

3 points to remember

• All major new buildings and reformations must have UK building control approval.
• Ventilation must comply with Approved Document F.
• A larger project cannot be started until the plans are approved.