Lewes District Council

Building Regulations

Building Control monitor work to ensure it meets safety requirements and is up to permitted standards.

Building Control is based on a set of regulations which provide minimum standards of design and building work for domestic, commercial and industrial buildings.

The regulations contain a list of requirements including structures, fire safety, resistance to dampness, ventilation, drainage, energy conservation and access/facilities for people with disabilities. These requirements are expressed in broad terms to give some flexibility to designers and builders.

The regulations apply to a range of building works - new buildings, extensions, alterations, drains, replacement of some building components and remedial works such as buttressing or underpinning.

Building regulations approval is often required for works which are “permitted development” LINK under the planning laws.

There is no requirement in the Building Regulations to consult on proposals with neighbours, or Town and Parish Councils. However, where planning approval is also needed for the work, the relevant planning applications are the subject of consultation.

Building Control also deal with buildings or structures which are in a potentially dangerous condition.

Waiting time

Plans submitted for approval under the Building Regulations are determined within five weeks or two months by agreement with the applicant.

This is largely a technical assessment checking compliance with the relevant regulations. Following approval, works on site are inspected at key stages of construction to ensure they are being built properly.

Inspections

You can book a Building Control inspection by phone or by sending a text message.

Please ring 01273-484477 to book an inspection. Please ring before 10am if you would like a same day inspection.

By text simply send the site address, inspection type, date preferred, application number (if you have it available) and your name to 07797 874489.

Please text before 9.15a.m.if you would like a same day inspection. If you do not receive a reply to the text by 9.30 a.m. on the day of inspection, please telephone 01273 484477.

We will always try to accommodate requests for same day inspections wherever possible, however this cannot always be guaranteed. If we are unable to provide a same day inspection for any reason we will arrange to inspect on the following working day.