Building Regulations -
Domestic Alterations, Change of Use and Exemptions

If you are considering making alterations to your home, you may need approval under the Building Regulations. If you are planning any of the following types of work, you need to let us know:

construction of an extension
removal of internal walls and chimney breasts
formation of rooms in loft space
re-roofing and alterations to gables
alterations to plumbing and drainage
installations of heating appliances
replacement of windows
attached garages and car-ports
some detached garages and outbuildings

Please note: you may also require planning permission for your building works or alterations. If in doubt, check with the Town Planning Department.

If you are changing the use to which a building is put, you may require Building Regulations approval.

The following change of use of a building will require a Building Regulation application:

to a dwelling
to a flat
to a hotel or boarding house
for institutional purposes (e.g. hospital, nursing home, home for caring for the elderly or children or similar establishment).

The following works are usually exempt:

small detached single-storey buildings containing no sleeping accommodation, which are less than 30m sq in floor area and constructed of non-combustible materials or situated at least 1m from the boundary.
small detached building containing no sleeping accommodation and less than 15m sq in floor area
an extension at ground level with a floor area less than 30m sq and used either as a porch, conservatory, covered way or car-port (open on at least two sides).

NB: Glazing in a porch or conservatory must comply with the requirements of Building Regulation Part N (safety glass).

Building Regulations - Domestic Alterations, Change of Use and Exemptions

Building Regulations -
Domestic Alterations, Change of Use and Exemptions