Are there some types of work that are exempt from Building Regulation approval?

Some work may be exempt from Building Regulation approval, but may still require Planning Permission - and vice versa; however this does not include work proposed over or adjacent to a public sewer. Further information can be found in the Exemptions guidance leaflet

Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a carport next to my house?
No, providing the floor area is no more than 30 m2, is open on at least two sides and is not over a Public Sewer

Do I need Building Regulation Approval to provide a covered yard to my house?
No, providing the floor area is no more than 30 m2 and it is not over a Public Sewer

Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a porch on my house?
No, providing the floor area is no more than 30 m2 and an external quality door is to remain in place between the porch and the dwelling. Glass within doors and windows should also be toughened or laminated safety glass and the porch should not be built over a Public Sewer

Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a conservatory on my house?
No, providing the floor area is no more than 30 m2, the roof and walls are made substantially of translucent material and the glazing to the walls is toughened/laminated safety glass. An external quality door is to remain in place between the conservatory and the dwelling and any heating must be on a separate system from the main house (e.g. an individual plug in radiator)

Do I need Building Regulation Approval for Electrical Work?
Yes, electrical work generally has to comply with the Building Regulations, for example; the installation of new sockets, switches and lights within a kitchen or bathroom, new power or lighting circuits, electrical work to garden sheds/greenhouses/external lighting/ponds, etc. You do not however require approval for repairs, replacements and maintenance work; or extra power points or lighting points to existing circuits that are not within a kitchen, bathroom, or outdoors.

Do I need Building Regulation Approval to carry out repairs to my house?
No, providing the repairs are of a minor nature, such as re-pointing and replacing a small area of brickwork and you are proposing to replace it like for like. If you are replacing or renovating more than 25% of the external structure, you will require approval. This includes replacing the felt on a flat roof, re-roofing a tiled roof, re-pointing or rendering an external wall and also if the area is proposed for more than 25% of the roof or wall

Do I need Building Regulation Approval to install or alter the position of a bath or toilet?
Yes, if you are installing the appliance for the first time. If however, you are only replacing an existing appliance, approval is not required providing the work does not involve new drainage or plumbing

Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a boundary wall?
No, not normally, but if you are carrying out work to a brick or concrete wall you should make sure that the wall is not a retaining wall, as complications can arise on sloping sites, or where the ground level has been altered and retaining walls have been provided. You will need to notify your neighbour in accordance with the Party Wall Act 1996, of the work you intend to carry out. You may also require Planning Approval - please contact our Planning Department for further information

Do I need Building Regulation Approval to erect a fence or gate?
No, Building Regulation approval is not required. New gates walls and fences or alterations to existing ones, may require Planning Approval - please contact our Planning Department for further information. If you intend to carry out work to a gate, fence or wall that forms a boundary, you will also need to notify your neighbour in accordance with the Party Wall Act 1996

Planning Permission
Please note, you may still require Planning Permission for proposed work, even if Building Regulations is not required. You should check this with the Planning Department (refer to the Contacts section above), or view the information contained on the Planning Portal web site

Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas & Planning Permission:

Planning Permission is always required for work to a listed building or within its grounds or boundaries, or if your property is within a conservation area