Most forms of development – such as new buildings, structural alterations and extensions – require Building Regulations approval. This is separate from, and may be needed in addition to, the requirement for planning permission.

The Building Regulations apply throughout England and Wales, and detail minimum requirements for many aspects of building work. They are divided into separate sections, with a main purpose of ensuring that buildings meet the minimum requirements for health, safety, convenience and access. All new buildings and extensions must meet the requirements of the Building Regulations if they are to be given approval.

The Building Regulations are enforced through the Building Control process. This process regulates all significant activities of the building industry, to ensure they meet minimum standards for health, safety, convenience and access.

As a matter of national policy, the process applies to the majority of building developments throughout the UK, and therefore forms part of primary legislation.

As a general rule, the Building Regulations will have to be followed when a building is to:

• be newly erected
• be extended
• undergo a material alteration
• undergo a material change of use to a hotel, boarding house, institution, public building or shop

However, note that there are exceptions to these rules (particularly concerning residential developments). For more information on the Building Regulations, visit the Department for Communities and Local Government’s website.