Work exempt from building regulations approval

You don't need building regulations approval for:

Greenhouses: provided they are not used for retailing, packing or exhibiting.

Small detached buildings/sheds: if floor area does not exceed 15m² and contains no sleeping accommodation.

Boundary walls and fences: separate guidance available on request.

Single storey additions not open to house: with floor area not exceeding 30m² that are: conservatories, greenhouses, porches, covered yards or carports open on at least 2 sides. NB Glazed doors and walls should be of safety glass in critical areas and conservatories must have transparent roofs.

Small detached buildings: if floor area does not exceed 30m², contains no sleeping accommodation and either has brick or concrete walls or is more than 1m from the boundary.

Temporary structures: i.e. a building which is not intended to remain where it is erected for more than 28 days. Temporary structures are covered by the London Building Acts (A) Act 1939 Part IV - Section 30. We issue licences for special and temporary structures to ensure they are designed, constructed and maintained safely, for example, marquees, flag poles and advertising boards - see temporary structures.

If work is carried out to any of the above so that it fell out of the exempt category, Building Regulations would then apply.

You still need to ensure that these works are carried out safely to avoid accidents.

You also need to recognise that some of these works could have implications for adjacent properties, whether they need approval or not.

Out of courtesy, you should tell your neighbours about any work you’re planning to carry out – although they don’t have a right under building regulations to object to the works.

We are always happy to clarify if your work is exempt. Please contact us before you start work.

Who to contact

The Building Control Department is relocating on 14th November 2005. From this date our address will be:
Phoenix House, 10 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2LL, please note that telephone and email contact details will remain the same.

Building Control
Phoenix House
10 Wandsworth Road
London
SW8 2LL
Phone: 020 7926 9000
Fax: 020 7926 0530
Email: buildingcontrol@lambeth.gov.uk
Opening hours