Energy - efficiency advice and assessment

Tackling climate change is a key Council objective and Maidstone Building Control is a major contributor to this policy.

Part L: Conservation of Fuel and Power

The April 2006 revised Approved Document equates to a 20% reduction in carbon emissions. Further revision is expected in 2011 equating to a further 25% reduction.

Summary of possible provisions to be incorporated:

Sustainable energy: heating, ventilation and cooling system efficiency. Use of bio mass to produce heat and power etc.
Renewable energy: Alternative energy production such as solar/ photovoltaic, wind, geo thermal etc.

Reed bed systems, swales, basins, ponds etc.
Composting wcs.
Use of grey water systems.
Infiltration trenches and filter drains.

Waste management and recycling: provisions for encouraging positive recycling of waste produced by the building.
Sustainable Building Materials: use of sustainable materials and recycling of building products.

Process for Approval

Full Plans

This involves depositing full drawings of your proposals but may also need calculations, specifications and manufacturers details. The purpose of a Full Plans application and its main advantage is to agree the design prior to a commencement on site.

Building Notice

Suitable for small domestic works such as alterations and small extensions the Building Notice is a fast track method of commencing work on site as only 2 working days notice is required prior to commencement. It does however have the disadvantage that as the design has not been approved there is a risk that work may be carried out that contravenes the Building Regulations and will have to be removed or altered.

Regularisation

This can be used where work has been completed without any Building Regulation approval and retrospective approval is required however it is important to note the following:

There is no duty on the local authority to issue a Regularisation Certificate when this application has been made and a refund will not be made where no certificate is issued.
We will only issue a certificate where we are satisfied that all aspects of the work comply and to demonstrate compliance it may be necessary to expose parts of the structure for inspection including foundations, floors and roofs.

A Regularisation application will not be accepted for work commenced prior to November 11, 1985. Download the Regularisation form

Full Plans Submission - 5 Steps

Step 1: Download the Full Plans Application Form

Step 2: Calculate the appropriate plans fee from the fees calculator. Why do I have to pay a fee? Fees guide

Step 3: Submit the form to us with the correct fee, a location plan and two copies of all supporting information such as plans, calculations, letters and so on. (four copies are required if the work involves a commercial property)

Step 4: We aim to make a first check of plans within 10 working days. After this we will either approve the work or write to you to explain why giving the opportunity to provide further information.

Step 5: We will issue a decision notice within 5 weeks (or 2 months if you are in agreement). This will either be an Approval, a Conditional Approval or a Rejection.

If we reject your plan we will not make a charge to make a resubmission.

Conditions attached to an Approval should be discharged prior to that element of the work commencing.

You may commence work after you have made your application however if all details have not been approved there is a risk that this work will not comply and may have to be altered.

Building Notice Submission

Step 1: To make this type of submission download a Building Notice form

Step 2: Calculate the appropriate fees from the Fees guide

Step 3: Complete and send the form to us along with the appropriate Building Notice Fee, a location plan and as much information you can provide regarding the design or specification of the work you are doing. If you do not have a commencement date just add "to be advised" in that part of the form.

Step 4: Complete the statement regarding Part P (domestic electrical installations)

Step 5: We will accept or reject this notice within 48 hours.

Please note: Building Notices are only suitable for small domestic extensions or alterations. Work under a building notice must still be shown to comply. You may therefore be asked to provide such plans, calculation, details as required to enable us to establish this.

Part P Electrical Safety in homes

Part P covers electrical safety in dwellings and explains when notification of work is required.

Information on the design, installation, inspection, testing and provision of information is explained, along with details of the Part P competent person self-certification scheme.

Where notification is required and the work will not/has not been carried out my a person approved through the Governments Competent Persons Scheme then a Maidstone Borough Council Surveyor or an agent acting on our behalf must sign off the electrical installation. At present Maidstone employs an external electrical consultant to fulfil this function.

Part P technical guidance notes

Part P inspections are not included in the Stage 1 Building Control Charges. If a Surveyor or our consultant has to make this inspection then Stage 2 of the fees will be invoiced.

Part P statement of intent form.

Fees guide