Contact

Building Control
Telegraph House
PO Box 32
Baillie Street
Rochdale OL16 1JH

Tel: 01706 924327
Fax: 01706 924628
Email: Building Control
Emergency: Out of office hours

 

External Links

Building control

If you are considering constructing a new building, extension or undertaking alterations, Building Control is the Council service that will assist you with your responsibility to comply with building regulations.

Obtaining Building Regulation approval is a legal requirement, which is a separate matter from obtaining Planning Permission.  Building Regulation Approval is required for the majority of building projects and the regulations exist to  ensure that buildings are safe, energy efficient and have reasonable access for all.

It is important to know that although building regulations and planning permission seek to produce similar outcomes with respect to the quality of building work, they are two different types of approval.  You may need both, or one or the other, so it is important to check what is required before you start work.

You can contact us, using the contact details to the right, about our services and service standards.

Search for planning or building applications

You can search for planning or building applications or browse the register of all past and current applications including text and maps. You can also see what stage your application has reached.

Our role

The role of Building Control is to:

  • Check plans to ensure work satisfies the standards of the Building Regulations
  • Inspect work on site as it progresses to ensure that buildings are safe, energy efficient and have reasonable access for all.
  • Enforce the Building Regulations
  • Dealing with dangerous and dilapidated buildings
  • Inspecting and arranging for the securing of empty properties that are open to unauthorised access.
  • Issuing, monitoring and enforcing the safety Certificate for Spotland Stadium at Denehurst Park, Rochdale.
  • Enforce the Building Regulations where standards are not met, we will undertake enforcement action when it is in the public interest.  This is often a last resort and we endeavour to assist people as much as possible in achieving compliance with the regulations.

Site inspections should not be confused with full site supervision of your work or continuous quality control, that should be undertaken by your own private architect or surveyor to make sure that the work is up to your requirements. 

Our team are happy to assist with any queries regarding aspects of Building Regulations.

When do I need building regulations approval?

The following is a list of the most common proposals that require approval, however if you are unsure please contact us, we are pleased to help.

  • The majority of house extensions 
  • New houses and apartments
  • Conversions of buildings to houses or apartments
  • Garage or outbuilding conversions to form a room
  • Loft conversions
  • Installation of roof lights or dormer windows
  • Internal structural alterations, such as removal of a load bearing wall or chimney breast.
  • Some electrical work to domestic properties
  • Internal plastering and re-rendering works where more than 25 per cent of the wall area is affected
  • A new opening or widening of an opening in a load bearing wall.
  • Installing new baths, showers, sinks or toilets which involve new drainage or waste plumbing
  • Altering the position of a staircase
  • Window and door replacement (Unless installed by FENSA, CERTASS or BSI approved installer)
  • Construction of new chimneys, flues or the replacement of flue linings
  • Underpinning of existing foundations
  • Re-roofing
  • Installation of a septic tank
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Installation of new heating (other than electric and subject to certain exceptions)
  • The majority of work relating to non-domestic buildings, or conversions to non domestic buildings

Some building work is exempt, please refer to guidance under building regulations applications on the web site.  You may not need to submit a Building Regulation Application for certain building work that can be self-certified as complying with the regulations by people registered with Competent Person Schemes.

Why is the building control process important?

For most people the most valuable asset we possess, apart from our family, is our home.  Building Regulation Approval is a legal requirement for most building work and you will be required to produce copies of approvals if you are selling a property. This information is an essential part of your Home Information Pack, which is  required for all house sales.

The regulations are becoming more complicated as the performance demands of modern building work increases. For example, the requirements for greater thermal and sound insulation properties require a careful choice of materials. A hasty start to work without an approved plan can lead to unnecessary and expensive errors.

These regulations are for your protection so it makes sense to benefit from the plan checking process of a Full Plans Application.

Building control information and useful links

HSE Website - If you are having construction or refurbishment work done, you may need to notify the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and you may have other duties as well click this link to find out more.

Planning Portal- Link to Planning Portal where building regulations approved documents can be downloaded freely.

LABC New Home Warranty  - Link to webpage with further information regarding 10 year warranty service available on new homes.

Building control handbook (375kb pdf file) - The handbook provides information about building regulations and how to apply for approval.

Accessibility by design, a standard guide (835kb pdf file) - The purpose of the guide is to assist with the interpretation of part M of the Building Regulations 2004 and takes a practical approach to inclusive design.