Who can see a building regs application?

Dave D · 14 Jun 2021

I would be interested to find out if a building regs application is public knowledge the way a planning one is. Two reasons for this. Firstly i'd like to compare mine to others regarging material. Second - Id like to know if other people can see mine one.
Thanks

^woody^ · 14 Jun 2021

chorltonwheely said:
I would be interested to find out if a building regs application is public knowledge the way a planning one is. Two reasons for this. Firstly i'd like to compare mine to others regarging material. Second - Id like to know if other people can see mine one.
Thanks

You mean you want to copy the technical knowhow?

They are not public documents

freddiemercurystwin · 14 Jun 2021

Some did, I only found out by chance as I was looking at a job that was miles away from me and was quite surprised because as mentioned they're not public documents but it's certainly not the norm and I don't know if any others do/did. It looks like they only show a record of the job now rather than any drawings: https://bcappsearch.tandridge.gov.uk/AppSearch

Dave D · 14 Jun 2021

^woody^ said:
You mean you want to copy the technical knowhow?

They are not public documents

Well I noticed an extension where they are using thermolites on both internal and external walls. I wondered if the cavity can be any smaller as the U value should be a bit better.
Also Building control have asked for an indication of where the drains are on the application. I would have liked to see if this has to be a drawing or some otherway of explaining.

Swwils · 14 Jun 2021

You can use a u value calculator online to do a quick check. Lots have materials in them already.

Nakajo · 14 Jun 2021

Yep, some are; most aren't.

^woody^ · 14 Jun 2021

chorltonwheely said:
Also Building control have asked for an indication of where the drains are on the application. I would have liked to see if this has to be a drawing or some otherway of explaining.

How else can you detail a drainage layout without actually drawing lines on a plan?

If you don't know precisely, and don't want to get the maps from your water company, then you draw a notional or assumed layout based on the most likely position judging from your existing visible drainage points. And then annotate it with "drainage layout to be confirmed on site".

BTW, there are several different types of aerated blocks with different R-values, so two leafs of this type of block may well still need a wide cavity. But the main thing that determines cavity width is what insulation is to be used.

Dave D · 15 Jun 2021

Thanks for the comments gents.

I reckon I'll work it out with the light weight blocks and cavity. doubt it'll save much room though.

Regarding the drawing of the drain I was trying to avoid drawing it all by hand. But I can just draw it over the block plan I suppose.

Swwils · 15 Jun 2021

If money is no object vaccum insulated panels can get 0.007 W/mK.

Nakajo · 16 Jun 2021

In general, I think the only way a conveyancer or other interested party would know you had work signed off by Building Control is if you gave them a certifcate to that effect. I find it a bit weird that PP is a matter of public record and BC isn't. If I live next door to you, I think it would be nice to know that your recent refurb is unlikely to undermine the structural stability and/or fire integrity of my gaff (although I recognise that the certificate is rarely worth the paper it's written on). Anyway, onwards and upwards...

wessex101 · 16 Jun 2021

The local authority Building Control Register is publicly accessible. As others have said some Councils make the applications and plans available online but I think that is quite rare.

I have on occasion visited various Councils and asked to view the Building Control Register and asked to see the relevant applications, either the actual file or microfiche/digital copies of older applications. Sometimes I would be asked what my interest was as they do not have to show them to any random person who asks. Although if you have a legitimate reason such as you are working on the building or are considering purchasing the property I have never had a problem viewing the plans on this basis. No doubt this will not apply at the moment as all Council staff seem to be "working" from home (AKA not doing any work at all).

EDIT: I believe technically only the property owner can view the application but like I said I have never had a problem.

Nakajo · 16 Jun 2021

Oh right. Do they only hold those dealt with by LABC, or are the AI ones there as well?

wessex101 · 16 Jun 2021

Nakajo said:
Oh right. Do they only hold those dealt with by LABC, or are the AI ones there as well?

I think the register notes the initial notice or whatever it is called submitted by the AI but that's all. So no plans or details other than a description of the works.

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Who can see a building regs application?

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