How planning and building control differ

It is generally realised that a form of permission is required for building work or alterations of properties. However, it may not always be clear how the Planning and Building Regulations approval regimes differ.

For many types of building work, separate permission under both regimes (separate processes) will be required.

For other building work, such as internal alterations, Buildings Regulations approval will probably be needed, but planning permission may not be. You may also have responsibilities under the construction health and safety regulations.

Building control

Building Regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the health and safety of people in or around those buildings. They also include requirements to ensure that:

• fuel and power is conserved
• facilities are provided for people, including those with disabilities, to access and move around inside buildings

Planning

Planning seeks to guide the way our towns, cities and countryside develop.

This includes:

• the use of land and buildings
• the appearance of buildings
• landscaping considerations
• highway access
• the impact that the development will have on the general environment

Find out more about planning.