Protected trees, high hedge complaints and TPO applications
If you currently have a planning application involving protected trees, a High Hedge complaint, or TPO application, please expect a delay with any consultation or decision. We are currently diverting all our resources into dealing with the affected trees in the Norton / Stourbridge area following wildfires. We would appreciate your patience given the unprecedented demand and will respond to matters in due course.
Unauthorised work is building work that has started without a Building Regulation application being deposited.
If you think that this may have happened, please contact Building Control to report it to us.
The principal aims of the Building Regulations is to ensure a minimum standard of health, safety, welfare and convenience together with measures to conserve fuel and power. It is the interests of all that come into contact with buildings that compliance with these regulations is met.
Irrespective of the main purpose of the regulations, failure to be able to demonstrate that approval has been obtained for building works, can affect the sale of properties.
If building work has been carried out without Building Regulations approval, you can apply retrospectively using our standard application form in respect of the 'unauthorised' work. If parts of the building fabric have been covered up, the building inspector may require them to be uncovered.
This Regularisation process can only be used for work commenced on or after 11 November 1985, where Building Regulation approval would have been required but was not sought.
Building Control can take enforcement action against building work in contravention of the building regulations. In the worst cases this could involve a notice requiring the work is removed or even action through the courts to seek a substantial financial penalty.
If works have taken place without the necessary Planning Permission in place, it may be necessary to make a retrospective planning application. For further information look at thePlanningsection of the website.
If building work has been carried out without Building Regulations approval, you can apply in retrospect for a Regularisation Certificate for the 'unauthorised' work.
This Regularisation process can only be used for work started on or after 11 November 1985, where Building Regulation approval would have been required but was not applied for.
