Works not requiring an application & self certification

Certain types of building work are classed as exempt and don’t need Building Regulations approval. However, they may need planning permission. Here are some common examples: See guidance sheet at bottom of this page or visit Interactive Guidance on exempt works.

• Buildings not used by people
• Caravans or mobile homes
• Greenhouses and agricultural buildings (unless used for retail etc)
• Temporary buildings – not intended to remain more than 28 days
• Ancillary buildings – such as a building site office
• Small detached buildings having a floor area which is not more than 30m2, which contains no sleeping accommodation, and is a building

          (a)  No point of which is less than one metre from the boundary of its curtilage
          (b)  Which is constructed substantially of con-combustible materials
          (c)  If within 1 m of the boundary the floor area of the building is no greater than 15m2

• Extensions – the extension of a building, (less than 30m2 floor area) by the addition at ground level of: 

          (a) A conservatory (see note below), porch, covered yard or covered way
          (b) A carport that opens on at least two sides

Please note: An extension must be substantially glazed before it can be termed a conservatory. If heated, it must have a separate heating system, safety glass to Part ‘N’, and must be separated from the house by external quality walls, windows and doors.

Self certification schemes

The government has introduced a number of schemes where 'Competent Persons’ can register to self certify their own work rather than asking the Local Authority to certify it for them. Types of work that are covered include replacement windows, gas installations and electrical installations, but more schemes are being created every year.

Please make sure that before you pay for the works to be done you make sure the person is a member of a registered scheme. They will be required as part of their scheme to register the installation with the Local Authority.  For further information see Government Website