Building regulations make sure that new building work is safe, healthy, accessible and energy efficient. They are separate from planning permission.
Building regulations are legal requirements laid down by the government. The aim of the regulations is to achieve adequate standards for the construction of buildings. This includes health and safety, energy conservation and access and facilities for disabled people. The regulations apply to most building work, with a few exemptions.
For most building projects, you'll need building regulations approval.
There are four online guides available to help you understand how building regulations apply to work you may do. There is a guide on telling you about the building regulations, a guide on planning a home improvement project, a guide on before work begins: planning your home improvement project and a guide on specific projects
There are two ways you can submit your application:-
- You can submit your building regulation application form and supporting documents online using the Planning Portal (please note there is a fee transaction charge to the Planning Portal when using this service). Here are our current fees and charges which are inclusive of Value Added tax.
Submit your building regulations online
- You can also apply by downloading an application form and emailing it, along with any attachments to building_consultancy@sandwell.gov.uk where we will process your application and contact you for payment if necessary. See our fees and charges page for ways to pay for your submission.
You can view the relevant privacy notice in relation to how we will use your personal information which is held against your application.
We aim to enforce the Building Regulations through our daily interventions on site and in our dealings with clients, however sometimes further more formal action is required. You can view our Building Control Enforcement Policy which explains this process in more detail and download a complaint form.