Can anyone tell me if there is a process for appealing against a building regs decision? I'm trying to comply to part B re a change of use to a B&B and am having a nightmare with local Blding Regs. (see previous topic last updated 11th Jan 08 under part b regs). I have neighbouring authorities who would accept my plan (confirmed in writing) plus I have now instructed a Fire Protection Engineer and no joy as yet. I have asked the local authority but can get no reply. Also does anyone now how private sector bldg regs works?
Building Regs appeal Process
- Thread starter TimandFi
- Start date
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You can apply to the secetary of state for either Determinations (relating to compliance of plans) or Appeals (against decisions to refuse to relax or dispense with one or more requirements of the regulations)
But you really want to get in touch with the head of building control or a senior officer first, to try and sort it out.
Private sector BCO's should work more or less the same way as the LA ones
But you really want to get in touch with the head of building control or a senior officer first, to try and sort it out.
Private sector BCO's should work more or less the same way as the LA ones
Listen to Woody, negotiation is much better and far less onerous than a lengthy appeals process.
If you can get approval from another local authority then you can just get your drawings approved by them instead. It will cost you another application price of course but you don't need to use your local authority. Just as there are independent inspectors who can approve your drawings so can other authorities (ie they're independent too and local authority building control departments are now run to make a profit). I'm not sure that getting a nod from other authorities holds any weight though tbh. Although individual house applications do not, I believe B&B applications would be handed to the local fire brigade fire officers for approval and I find it hard to believe your other seemingly helpful authorities would have gone to the trouble of getting their fire officers to check the scheme without an application. Are you getting grief from your building control officer or the fire officer? If its the fire officer I'd be surprised if there'll be any other outcome. Part B is the one part of the regs BC rarely budge on.
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/4000000001390.html
Thanks for advise. I have instructed a Fire Protection Engineer / specialist (30 years fire brigade etc) to talk through any further options with BC. He too is amazed at their stance and said he knows other authorities who he works with would laugh at our BC's insistance. BC say the fire officer is in approval with them but will not tell me who they have consulted with and also specilist I am using has just been dealing with same Fire Authority on another job and got very different view. Still think something odd with our BC although the 'Head of' who we have just approached seems more reasonable. Fingers crossed as he suggested instructing a FPE we may listen to him.
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Interesting, I didn’t know that; I’d always assumed you would automatically come under your local authorities jurisdiction!
Freddymercurystwin wrote:
[If you can get approval from another local authority then you can just get your drawings approved by them instead. It will cost you another application price of course but you don't need to use your local authority.]
This is very interesting can you explain more? So in theory I could submit my plan to another authority (eg my FPE chap says his local authority would approve) and I get a set of full plans past? So how does the inspection process work and how do I get my certificate in the end?
Would be very interested to know as this sounds like it has potential
[If you can get approval from another local authority then you can just get your drawings approved by them instead. It will cost you another application price of course but you don't need to use your local authority.]
This is very interesting can you explain more? So in theory I could submit my plan to another authority (eg my FPE chap says his local authority would approve) and I get a set of full plans past? So how does the inspection process work and how do I get my certificate in the end?
Would be very interested to know as this sounds like it has potential
Just done a bit of research on this one, it looks like this isn't readily available to the public, the process is called partnering whereby a professional can use the same individual plan inspector no matter where the actual project is. We use the inspector from the local authority where the project is ie for a project in Cornwall we used a Devon based plan inspector but need to use a Cornwall based works inspector. Its not overly clear that as a householder you definitely can't apply for Partnering though, so it may be worth asking. By the way both local authorities involved obviously need to be a member of the scheme themselves. http://www.labc.uk.com/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=13There's certainly nothing to stop you using your own independet approved inspector who could inspect the on-site work too although you'd obviously have to pay another plan application fee.
One last thought, I presume you've done the drawings yourself? Otherwise if they've been draughted by a 'professional' then they could join the scheme and apply as your agent (it doesn't cost any thing to join).
My sincere apologies for misleading you.
Thanks anyway for the reply, not completely without hope given the view on a private sector inspector.
Is there a view on these chaps within the industry and what is the best way of finding one? I assume they are more expensive than the local authorities?
Yes we did our own drawings, at that stage did not think it would be quite so complicated and drawn out!
Is there a view on these chaps within the industry and what is the best way of finding one? I assume they are more expensive than the local authorities?
Yes we did our own drawings, at that stage did not think it would be quite so complicated and drawn out!
Apart from the yellow pages could have a look here, their fess should be competitive as they're in direct competition with local authorities.
http://www.acai.org.uk/index.asp
http://www.acai.org.uk/index.asp
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