The Future of Building Control

The statutory notification stages of building control will be removed and replaced by a risk based approach to inspection, under Department for Communities and Local Government proposals designed to free good builders from the burden of unnecessary inspections by focusing on the most dangerous failings.

Other key elements of the proposed new approach include:

The introduction of a review of building regulations every three years instead of the current continual changes.
Restricting the use of building notices to protect home owners from builders who intend to carry out major projects without proper planning.
Increased powers for local authorities to tackle illegal or botched construction - including an extension of the time limits for enforcement to two years.
The potential use of fixed penalties and stop notices.
The introduction of a new guide on extensions and conversions to help homeowners and builders comply with the building regulations.
The introduction of a seamless service linking planning and building control, plus more e-enabled internet services.

The Future of Building Control: Consultation is available at http://tinyurl.com/386ndq - PDF (DCLG Publications: tel 0870 1226 236). Responses by 10 June 2008.

Article taken from FSB East Sussex Voice of Business, May/June 2008 edition.