Foundation Built Natural Environment Coursework

Foundation Built Natural Environment - Coursework Example There are two separate departments in the local council that process building warrants and planning permissions (Glover, 2009, pp.17-19). Difference between Building and Planning Control Building Control is the process done by the local council to ensure that properties meet the set legal standards in building works. These regulations are in place to guarantee the durability and safety of every construction. Sometimes, these standards are modified from time to time. For example, generally, building standards are more lax in south England compared to north Scotland. This is due to the harshness of weather in the latter. On the other hand, Planning Control is the process done by the local council to decide whether a construction is acceptable. Aspects such as local preferences and needs, smell, sound, and sight are taken into account before any permission is granted (Glover, 2009, pp.26-27). Building Warrant A Building Warrant is issued as a legal permission to start any construction o r demolition of a property or building. This warrant is granted upon meeting the set legal standards of Building Control. It is a common yet inaccurate belief that Building Warrants are only necessary for structural changes. On the contrary, Building Warrants ensure that the minimum standards for the convenience, interest, protection, and health of the people inside and outside the property or building are met. ... g Warrant is not called for, compliance with the set legal building standards must be carried out, unless the nature of alteration is â€Å"like for like.† (Glover, 2009, pp.31-33) Planning Permission Planning Permissions are different from Building Warrants. They are required in land development plans that are usually comprised of changes of use for, or expansions, of properties. Planning permissions are also at times required for works to trees, listed building consent, demolitions within conservation areas, and outside advertisements. If the alterations are internal, such as the case in most private homes, they do not require Planning Permissions as some of these works are considered â€Å"permitted developments† or are not seen as â€Å"developments.† Although most do not apply to subdivided or flatted residential properties, planning legislation set the requirements for â€Å"permitted developments.† In any case, one should be aware that Building Warr ants may still be required for internal developments or expansions that do not require Planning Permissions (Glover, 2009, p.38). Application for a Building Warrant Building Control surveyors are part of the local council that are in charge of processing Building Warrants. An applicant should fill out application forms and pay the corresponding Building Warrant fee. Details of proposed work should come as an attachment to the application. Fees are based on the estimated cost of the expansion, development, or demolition. Applications are assessed based on the existing building policies and standards, and could take up around three weeks before the issuance of a Building Warrant. Building Control department should be informed when the work will start, and upon satisfactory completion, a surveyor will check the work for the