• You are here:
• Home >
• Planning & building control >
• Building control >
• Do I need building regulations?

Do I need building regulations?

Do I need building regulations?

There is often confusion about the difference between building regulations approval and planning permission.

• Building regulations cover the way that a building is constructed such as its structural stability, fire resistance, weather resistance etc.
• Planning permission, which is sought from Development Control, relates to the siting, design, size, height and bulk of the development and its impact on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area.

If you are planning to carry out building work you should speak to Development Control and Building Control at the earliest possible opportunity to find out if you need planning and/or building regulation permission. We would advise you to use an experienced person or company to prepare and submit the necessary applications for you and to employ an experienced builder to carry out the work for you. (As unfortunately any work which does not meet the regulations would have to be altered or demolished.)

The list below gives the common types of work which will need a building regulations application:

• Home extensions
• Alterations to load bearing elements such as chimney breasts and walls
• Loft and garage conversions
• Solar panels and electricity generation
• Roof renewal
• Creating or replacing bathrooms
• Creating new rooms, including some conservatories
• Fitting new boilers and fuel burning stoves
• Adding or altering drains
• Underpinning a building
• Changing a building's use.

Our publications Building Regulations Exemptions Leaflet and How to apply for Building Regulations consent should also help to guide you through the process and explain what you need to do next.

Tandridge Building Control is a member of LABC, a national network of over 3,800 professional surveyors and the UK's leading national building control service with over 70% market share.  

We have unrivalled experience in our field and continue to adapt. listen to our customers and readily adopt advances in innovation. We are impartial and run on a "not for profit" basis. We are on your doorstep and available to deal with you in person, whether you need free pre-application advice or should something go wrong. We take a real pride in seeing good buildings being delivered in our community and ensuring health and safety within the built environment. For more information visit : Local Authority Building Control (This link will open in a new window)

You can also refer to Publications and Exemptions for further information.

Return to top