Guidance and Advice

Building Standards staff are always available during office hours (8.45 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 8.45 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. on Friday) to provide general information and advice. However, particularly in the case of a specific enquiry, it helps to make an appointment if possible, to ensure that enquiries can be dealt with promptly and effectively.

Discussions will be welcomed before a Building Warrant or Housing Grant Application is received to encourage full and high quality submissions and to ensure they can be dealt with efficiently.

The advice given will be objective and as helpful as possible without prejudice to the formal consideration of an Application by the Council. Information can be given about relevant requirements of the Building Regulations, Housing Grants Policy and the Council’s general approach and practice on particular matters. Where possible advice will also be given about the particular and specific merits of a proposed application.

Building Standards legislation and other relevant documents can be made available together with information about Building Standards procedures. Advice can also be given in cases where other approvals or consents may be necessary and the steps which may need to be taken.

However, it is important for applicants to seek their own professional advice and a list of Architects and Engineers is available from your Building Standards office.