Building regulations are still a must says LABC

The recent Government announcement to relax planning permission laws for home and business owners to extend their properties does not remove the need for compliance with building regulations says LABC.

Paul Everall, Chief Executive of LABC said “Whilst we welcome the Government's move to boost the economy through a programme of house building and the removal of planning red tape, we stress that this only addresses part of the problem and more needs to be done to improve the mortgage market so that people are able to buy."

Paul continued, “Changes in planning laws have not removed the requirement for property owners to follow building regulations which ensure buildings are safe and sustainable. Building regulations are separate from planning permission and our primary concern is that safety in and around buildings is maintained."

“There still needs to be an awareness that Building Regulations will still apply to many of these extensions where the property owner is looking to make structural changes to an existing property. A building notice will need to be submitted to the local building control department for approval to ensure building regulations are met. Our local authority building control teams are used to working quickly with developers and homeowners to help them through this process and ensure that construction work leads to healthy, safe and sustainable buildings.

Paul concluded, “The removal of planning law could impact the sustainability agenda as new buildings must be sustainable and energy efficient and the Government must not weaken in its desire to be the greenest Government ever."

LABC is the member organisation representing local authority building control departments in England and Wales. Its membership includes over 3,000 professional surveyors and support technicians and has a 70% market share of building control in these sectors: domestic conversions and improvements; new homes and apartments; commercial offices, workshops, industrial and warehouses; education; healthcare; care homes; retail; leisure and entertainment; and stadiums.

LABC promotes the design and construction of buildings that are safe, healthy, accessible and environmentally efficient to comply with the Building Regulations. LABC builds awareness of local authority building control amongst the public, developers, designers and contractors. It also works with government, trade organisations, manufacturers, distributors, research establishments, test houses and professional institutions to support innovation in building.

For more information please visit LABC website: www.labc.uk.com