ABSTRACT
As explained in previous chapters, there are two local authority bodies that control simple development – the Planning Department and the Building Control Department. It is the latter that enforces the Building Regulations. (See below regarding Approved Inspectors.) The Building Regulations are not uniform throughout the UK (Scot-
land and Northern Ireland have their own regulations). All references in this book are to the current Approved Documents that support the Building Regulations in force in England and Wales. It is essential that you obtain a copy of these Approved Documents if you intend to become deeply involved with plan preparation. Copies can be downloaded from the Internet. (Scottish or Northern Irish readers should obtain copies of their own regulations.) Please also note, that until recently, Approved Document Part A – Struc-
ture used to contain timber tables (e.g. Floor joist spans/sizes etc.). This is no long the case. The tables now have to be obtained from TRADA or by using the Schedules provided in NHBC Standards. See later for details). The important thing to remember is that the Building Regula-
tions/Approved Documents seek to control how a building is constructed and not what it looks like.
