Definition of terms

1. Building work

Building work controlled under the building regulations includes:

These include fixed heat producing appliances, baths, toilets, sinks, wash basins, controlled heating systems and domestic electrical installations

The building regulations indicate that there may be a material change of use if the use has changed so that a building:

is used as a dwelling, where previously it was not
contains a flat, where previously it was not
is used as a hotel or boarding house, where previously it was not
is used as a institution, where previously it was not
is used as a public building, where previously it was not
is not an 'exempt building', where previously it was
which contains at least one dwelling, contains a greater or lesser number of dwellings that it did previously

The description above is a rough guide to when there may be a material change of use, it does not substitute the need for sound professional advice.

If are thinking about undertaking any development work that may involve a material change of use please contact us for free pre-application advice.

For all general enquiries please telephone the planning & building control hotline: 020 7364 5009

Building control offices
Mulberry Place (AH)
PO Box 55739
5 Clove Crescent
London E14 1BY

Fax: 020 7364 5265

Open: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday - except public holidays