Building Control has been the function of local authorities for over a hundred years and is the process whereby building work is independently supervised so that the public's health and safety is safeguarded to the standards laid down by parliament. This is generally carried out by the examination and passing of plans of proposed building work and subsequently supervising and approving the work on site.
Wigan's Building Control service
Deals with approvals and inspections under the Building Regulations together with certain other public safety related functions.
The Building Regulation system
Most new buildings and alterations to existing buildings, including replacement windows and glazed doors, reroofing or rebuilding of walls require approval under the Building Regulations. The Council’s Building Control Surveyor will advise you on the following:
- If your proposals require building regulation consent and how best to obtain that consent.
- Details regarding fees for plan submission and site inspections.
- The difference between Full Plans and Building Notice submissions.
- Types of ground conditions likely to be encountered in the area you propose to develop.
- Whether special foundations such as piles or rafts are likely to be requested.
Inspection of works on site
Our Building Control Surveyors will make statutory and routine inspections during the construction stage of the building to ensure compliance with the building regulations and other allied legislation.
Pre-submission consultation
We encourage confidential pre-submission consultations to avoid wasteful design time and reduce project costs.
Other services
Other services carried out by the Building Control Section include:
Advice leaflets
- Applying for Building Regulations Approval (.pdf, 250Kb)
- Inspection of building work in progress (.pdf, 244Kb)
- Regularisation procedure (.pdf, 239Kb)
- Types of garage and carport exempt from Building Regulations (.pdf, 705Kb)
- Conservatories and porches exempt from Building Regulations (.pdf, 338Kb)
- Smoke detectors in dwellings (.pdf, 778Kb)
- Building Regulations and loft conversions (.pdf, 243Kb)
- Part P Building Regulations - Electrical safety (.pdf, 245Kb)
- Choosing a builder - avoid the cowboy (.pdf, 256Kb)
- Replacement of windows, roof windows, rooflights and certain external doors in dwellings (.pdf, 267Kb)
- Conservation of Fuel and Power - Guidance for designers (.pdf, 255Kb)
- Conservation of Fuel and Power - Guidance for householders (.pdf, 254Kb)
- Access to our services (.pdf, 238Kb)
- Removal of asbestos from buildings prior to demolition (.pdf, 242Kb)
- Building Regulations - Explanatory booklet (external link)
- The Party Wall Act 1996 - Explanatory booklet (external link)
Related entries
Considerate Constructors Scheme
The Considerate Constructors Scheme (external link) is the national initiative, set up by the construction industry, to improve its image.
Sites that register with the Scheme sign up and are monitored against a Code of Considerate Practice, designed to encourage best practice beyond statutory requirements.
The Scheme is concerned about any area of construction activity that may have a direct or indirect impact on the image of the industry as a whole. The main areas of concern fall into three main categories: the environment, the workforce and the general public.
The very best performing sites are recognised with Annual National Awards (external link).
Wigan Council would encourage all contactors with suitable projects to sign up to the scheme.
