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  5. Do you need Building Regulations approval?

Image of the Local Authority Building Control Logo Conservatory, Porch, Car PortNot all building work is subject to the requirements of Building Regulations and certain buildings can be erected without the need of an application.

IMPORTANT: Although your building project may be exempt from the Building Regulations you will usually still need planning permission.

This must be applied for separately and advice can be obtained from Basildon Council Planning Department.

 We advise that before proceeding with any building project you should notify both Building Control & Planning Services who will confirm that any planned work is exempt from Building Regulations and has the required Planning Permission.

REMEMBER: you will also need to contact PLANNING on 01268 533333 to check their requirements before building!

What Is an Exempt Building?

Small Detached Buildings

A detached single storey building, (such as a garage) having a floor area which does not exceed 30m2, which contains no sleeping accommodation and is a building -

  • No point of which is less than one metre from the boundary of its curtilage
  • Which is constructed substantially of non combustible material.

Extensions**

The extension of a building by the addition at ground level of a Conservatory -

  • Have a floor area not exceeding 30m2
  • A roof which is made of translucent materials (glass or plastic)
  • Contains no sleeping accommodation and habitable areas e.g. Dining room, study etc.
  • Must be separated from dwelling by external windows/doors.
  • Glazing must satisfy the requirements of Part N Glazing i.e. Be safety glazing.

Porch**

A covered approach to an entrance of a building and;

  • Single storey
  • Should not contain any toilet accommodation and habitable areas e.g. Dining room, study etc.
  • Must be separated from dwelling by external windows/doors
  • Glazing must satisfy the requirements of Part N Glazing i.e. Be safety glazing.

Carport- or covered way.

Shelter for a car usually consisting of a roof built out of the side of a building and supported by posts.

  • Have a floor area not exceeding 30m2
  • Contains no sleeping area
  • All existing windows and doors remain
  • Must have full openings on at least two sides.

**Note; in respect of conservatories and porches any glazing must satisfy the requirements of Part N Glazing i.e. Be safety glazing.

REMEMBER: you will also need to contact Planning Services on 01268 533333 to check their requirements before building! Basildon Council Planning Department.

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