Hertfordshire Building Control Handbook - · PDF fileBUILDING CONTROL HANDBOOK. 1 ... The...

HertfordshireBUILDING CONTROL HANDBOOK

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HertfordshireBuilding ControlHandbook

We very gratefully acknowledge the support of the advertisers within thesepages and have pleasure in drawing the attention of our readers to their

announcements.However, neither the publishers nor the Hertfordshire Councils can accept

any responsibility for the products or services offered.

Produced by the Hertfordshire Building Control Group

Designed and published by Ten Alps Publishing, Trelawney House, Chestergate,Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 6DW. Tel: (01625) 613000. www.tenalpspublishing.com

Ref: BJN (October 2010)

(This publication has been produced on recyclable materials)

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This book is also available as an ebook:www.buildingcontrolservices.co.uk/hertfordshire

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All types of joinery workundertaken

• Sliding sash windows• Casement windows• Doors, door frames,shop fronts

• Staircases• Skirting, architravesand all types ofmouldings

• Hardwood andsoftwood.

TAYLORSJOINERY

established since 1982

Unit 2 Fen End, Stotfold, Hitchin,Hertfordshire SG5 4BA

Telephone: 01462 733711Email: [email protected]

M.R.CARTER& Sons

BRICKWORKSPECIALIST

2 Fordham Way, Melbourn,Herts, SG8 6JB

Tel 01763 222027/07811 671306

General BuildingRepairs & AlterationsAll Types Of Sewer

ConnectionsFree Estimates

GRANT WRIGHTASSOCIATES LLPCHARTERED SURVEYORSCONSTRUCTION COST &CLAIM CONSULTANTS

SSuurrvveeyyss;; EEssttiimmaatteess;; PPrriicciinngg;; DDrraawwiinnggss;;

EExxppeerrtt RReeppoorrttss;; CCllaaiimmss aanndd DDiissppuutteess;;

PPrreeppaarraattiioonn ooff QQuuaannttiittiieess;;

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Gordon House, 6 Lissenden Gardens,Highgate, London NW5 1LX

Introducing Hertfordshire ...........................7

What is Building Control? .........................11

Broxbourne Borough Council ..................12

Dacorum Borough Council.......................16

East Hertfordshire

District Council..........................................20

Hertsmere Borough Council ....................24

The Building Regulations..........................29

North Hertfordshire


St Albans City and


Stevenage Borough Council.....................50

Three Rivers District Council....................54

Watford Borough Council .........................58

Welwyn Hatfield

Borough Council .......................................62

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Contents

6

WE HAVE FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL TRADESMENFOR EVERY JOB, LARGE OR SMALL

EXTENSIONS / REFURBISHMENTS / LOFT CONVERSIONSROOFING / FITTED KITCHENS / BATHROOMS / BEDROOMS

FULL HANDYMAN SERVICES / CARPENTRYPLUMBING & HEATING / ELECTRICAL WORK

PAINTING & DECORATING / LANDSCAPING / FENCINGDRIVEWAYS / ALL DRAIN WORK

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Hertfordshire, located near enough tothe capital to become the huntingground of kings, boasts several finehouses of which Hatfield House is thegreatest. The county lies to the north ofLondon and takes in much of thecatchment areas of the Rivers Colneand Lea. It extends from the Colne andthe Grand Union canal in the west tothe Lea and Stort Navigation in theeast. Towards the north of the countylie the extremities of the Chiltern Hillsand the East Anglian Heights.

The county has always relied uponagriculture, particularly wheat andbarley incorporating the maltingindustry, with market gardening to theeast. Its proximity to London hasprovided a ready market for theproduce with the ease ofcommunication through the relativelylevel countryside. In more recent timesconsiderable commercial and industrialactivity has moved into the county.

Ancient pathways along the higherground such as the Icknield Way werecomplemented by the Romans withtheir radiating routes from London. TheErmine Street passes through Ware onits way to Lincoln and York while theWatling Street passes through St.Albans before eventually reachingHolyhead. Today the M25, M1 andA1(M) motorways pass through thecounty, while numerous electrifiedrailways perpetuate the radial routescreated by the Romans.

Towns such as St. Albans, Hertford,Waltham and Royston were significantin Roman times, but with the morerecent population explosion came theneed for the construction of new towns.Garden cit ies of Welwyn andLetchworth owe much of their characterto the Architect who laid out their townplans, with much importance placed ongrassed areas and roadside trees.More recently the new towns ofStevenage and Hemel Hempsteadwere expanded to accommodateincreasing demands for housing withinthe county.

Local Authority AreasHertfordshire is divided into ten localauthority areas, each with its ownindividuality. In order to achieve aunified approach to Building Control,the managers of the ten areas jointlyarrange seminars for their staff. In thisway an excellent service can beprovided with similar interpretations ofthe regulations in those areas.

7

IntroducingHertfordshire

St Mary’s Church

Building Control site meeting

8

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Email: [email protected]: www.bonnerandcook.co.uk

Piling And FoundationSpecialists

Comprehensive professionalservice – includes

Ready-mix and Skip Hire

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Tel: 01992 448801 / 01945 464739Fax: 01992 446885

Mobiles: 07968 098763 / 07967 480406Email: [email protected]

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RemarConstruction

7 Clydesdale Walk, Turnford, BroxbourneHerts EN10 6BPwww.remar.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

• Loft Conversions• Extensions

• General Building Works

For a quotation please call07885 541106 (daytime)or 01992 479831 (evening)

9

Broxbourne Borough CouncilBuilding Control, Broxbourne Borough Council, Bishops’ College, Churchgate,Cheshunt, Hertfordshire EN8 9XE Telephone: (01992) 785566 Fax: (01992) 643386Email:[email protected]

Dacorum Borough CouncilBuilding Control, Civic Centre,Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead,Hertfordshire HP1 1HHTelephone: (01442) 228000Fax: (01442) 228581Email:[email protected]

East Hertfordshire District CouncilBuilding Control Consultancy, East Herts District Council, Wallfields,Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8EQTelephone: (01279) 655261Fax: (01992) 531439Email:[email protected]

Hertsmere Borough CouncilBuilding Control, Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood,Hertfordshire, WD6 1WATelephone: (020) 8207 2277 Fax: (020) 8207 7470Email:[email protected]

North Hertfordshire District CouncilBuilding Control, Gernon Road,Letchworth, Hertfordshire SG6 3JFTelephone: (01462) 476370 Fax: (01462) 476380Email: [email protected]

St Albans City and District CouncilBuilding Control, District CouncilOffices, Civic Centre, St Albans,Hertfordshire AL1 3JETelephone: (01727) 866100 Fax: (01727) 845658Email: [email protected]

Stevenage Borough CouncilBuilding Control, Stevenage BoroughCouncil, Daneshill House, Danestrete,Hertfordshire SG1 1HNTelephone: (01438) 242264Fax: (01438) 242922Email:[email protected]

Three Rivers District CouncilBuilding Control, Three Rivers House,Northway, Rickmansworth,Hertfordshire WD3 1RLTelephone: (01923) 727134 Fax: (01923) 727137Email: [email protected]

Watford Borough CouncilBuilding Control, The Town Hall,Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 3EXTelephone: (01923) 278303 Fax: (01923) 278304Email: [email protected]

Welwyn Hatfield Borough CouncilBuilding Control, Council Offices, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City,Hertfordshire AL8 6AETelephone: (01707) 357000 ext 2391 Fax: (01707) 357255 Email: [email protected]

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Property Maintenance including,painting and decorating, extensions,

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cleaning services including gutters, PVC Cleaning and conservatories.

Paul: 07816 892 562Alex: 07903 336 892

Business: 01992 642 709

14 Hollybush WayCheshunt

HertfordshireEN7 6ER

www.clearviewmaintenance.co.uk

The History of Building ControlBuilding Control origins l ie in therebuilding of London following theGreat Fire in 1666. In rebuilding thecity, the building work was controlled toprevent a recurrence of this disaster.However, it was not until the PublicHealth Act of 1875 that any control wasextended to the rest of the countrythrough building bylaws.

Today these controls are known as theBuilding Regulations. They have beendeveloped to incorporate aspects ofbuilding such as structural stability,waterproofing, sound and thermalinsulation, drainage, ventilation andhygiene, stairways, access and facilitiesfor disabled people, glazing andelectrical installations. The Regulationsare concise and offer little guidance tothe builder or designer. The ApprovedDocuments provide the detail, and in

conjunction with national and Europeanstandards, they show how to complywith the requirements of theRegulations.

Building Control Approval andPlanning PermissionThese two services, provided by yourlocal authority, are closely linked, andyet are very different; often resulting inconfusion. If you intend to undertakeany building work, whetherconstructing a new building orextension, altering an existing buildingor installing a controlled service orfitting, you are almost certainly requiredto notify your local authority.

Sometimes you will need to satisfy bothBuilding Control and Planning,sometimes only one of them, and onother occasions the work may beexempt from the need to comply witheither. If you have any doubts, pleasecheck by contacting the BuildingControl or Planning sections. (BuildingControl does not exist as an obstacle toyour intentions, but to ensure thatbuildings are safe, healthy, accessibleand sustainable for current and futuregenerations.)

Failure to obtain the necessaryconsents may lead to expense inremoving or altering the work, while arefusal to comply with the requirementsmay even lead to a criminal record andfine against the owner, builder or both.

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What is Building Control?

A Building Control Officer ensuring that afire damaged building is safe

Demolition of an old church building

Junction25

M25

HODDESDON

Broxbourne

CHESHUNT

WALTHAMCROSS

Goff'sOak

Turnford

Wormley

HammondStreet

FlamsteadEnd

M25

A10

A121

B198

A121

B156

A10

A1170

A10

A1170

Rive

r Lee

Navig

atio

n

0 2 miles© Crown copyright 397970 / Ten Alps Publishing

www.broxbourne.gov.uk

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The borough of Broxbourne l iesimmediately to the north of London,which has had an important influenceon its development. The town ofBroxbourne, from which the boroughtakes its name, is at the centre of a lineof settlements along the valley of theRiver Lea. The other main centres areHoddesdon, Wormley, Turnford,Cheshunt and Waltham Cross, withGoffs Oak in the west. At the turn of thecentury these towns and villages werelargely independent communities, witha population in the area of 17,800.Rapid growth since the second worldwar has resulted in these settlementsjoining into an almost continuous spurof development from London toHoddesdon with the population risingto about 86,000. Despite this rapidexpansion important areas of historicalvalue remain, mostly along HoddesdonHigh Street and Churchgate, Cheshunt.The eastern side of the borough lieswithin the Lea Valley Regional Parkwhich is being developed andenhanced for recreational purposes.Disused gravel pits provide fishing,sailing, waterside walks and natureconservancy uses with the flooded pitsand isolated islands providing aninteresting and valuable environment.The River Lea Navigation provided atrade route during the last century withits link between the Thames to thesouth and the Stort to the north. It isnow a part of the British Waterways

network of navigable rivers and canalsproviding access over much of thecountry for leisure boating. For manyyears salad crops were produced in thearea of West Cheshunt and Goffs Oakwhere the ground conditions formed bya rich loam over a clay subsoil provedideal for this purpose. However, thisglass house industry is now in decline,enabling much of the land to be usedfor the significant areas of housingdevelopment of recent years. Road andrail services provide easy access withinthe borough and to other areas. TheLiverpool Street – Stansted –Cambridge rail link and the A10 trunkroad both pass north-south through theborough while the M25 runs along thesouthern boundary with access atjunction 25 providing an easy link to theA1(M) and M1 motorways. Stanstedairport is 30 minutes away to the north.

Building ControlBroxbourne’s Building Control serviceforms a part of the Council’sDepartment of Environmental Services.It has the benefit of building surveyorsengaged in the checking of plans andthe supervision of building work on siteto help builders comply with theBuilding Regulations. Local knowledgegained by staff over many years isretained in the office resulting in a teamable to give sound local advice asrequired by builders and designersworking on projects in the borough.

BroxbourneBorough Council

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Broxbourne Council offices

The surveyors have a knowledge ofbuilding techniques, an understandingof problems and the ability to providesolutions which can only be gainedthrough practical site experience anda sound theoretical background. Plans are checked promptly and, in conjunction with the designer,

any alterations required to showcompliance with the BuildingRegulations are made. Your buildercan then be certain that his work willcomply with those regulations.Drawings and applications can be submitted electronically as PDF documents.

AvailabilityThe office is open 8.30am until 5.30pm(7.30pm on Tuesdays) and also onSaturday mornings between 9.00amand 1.00pm. Building Controlsurveyors are not always available as amajor part of their work is on site, soplease telephone before visiting if youwish to meet a particular surveyor. Thesite inspection service gives anefficient response to requests for a sitevisit, which if received before 10.00amwill benefit from a visit before 3.30pmthe same day although other times areavailable by agreement with anindividual surveyor. For all yourinspections a telephone call is suitable.Upon satisfactory completion of thecontrolled work a CompletionCertificate is issued which assures youthat the Building Control surveyor issatisfied that the work inspectedcomplies with the relevant regulations.This certif icate enables you todemonstrate that the work has beenproperly inspected and found to be

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Barn conversion in progress Barn conversion completed

Sustainable development

New homes

15

satisfactory; a particularly usefuldocument when you decide to sell yourhouse. The division also controlsdangerous structures and demolitionswithin the borough to ensure that no-one is put at r isk due to unsafebuildings or other structures, and toensure that demolit ion sites areproperly cleared. Broxbourne is keen topartner with regular users of BuildingControl and is also a member ofLANTAC, the type approval scheme.

Contacts - Tel (01992) 785566 Fax (01992) 643386Building Control, Bishops’ College,Churchgate, Cheshunt, HertfordshireEN8 9XB Email:[email protected]

Building Control ManagerKeith Loxley 01992 785566

Deputy Building Control Manager Isobel Porter 01992 785558

Divisional Building Control SurveyorYakup Tekniker 01992 785554

Senior Building Control SurveyorsEric Schaffer 01992 785555 ext. 5647Steven Godfrey 01992 785557

Building Control Administration01992 785566

Development Control (Planning)Peter Quaile 01992 785616

Principal Highways EngineerChris Franks 01992 785760

Head of Environmental HealthJoe Ward 01992 785959

Main Drainage is controlled byThames Water Customer Care0845 850 2777

Visit the Council website atwww.broxbourne.gov.uk for generalinformation and to download BuildingControl application forms.

Retail

Building Control administration support Sports facility under construction

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LongMarston

Wilstone

TRING

Wiggington

BERKHAMSTEDBERKHAMSTEDBERKHAMSTED

Aldbury

LittleGaddesden

GreatGaddesden

Nettleden

PottenEnd

HEMELHEMPSTEAD

Bovingdon

Felden

KingsKingsKingsLangleyLangleyLangley

Chipperfield

Flaunden

Flamstead

Markyate

Junction10

Junction9

Junction8

Junction7

Junction20

M25

M10

M1

M1

A41 A4251

A416

A4146

A5

A41

A4147

A414

G. U. Canal

Grand Union Canal


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The Dacorum area has a population of133,000, the main settlements beingHemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted andTring. The borough covers 81 squaremiles of West Hertfordshire, extendingnorthwards almost from the outskirts ofWatford to the Chiltern Hills which are apredominant and beautiful feature ofthe northern part of the area. The mainlines of communication – the A41 trunkroad, the Euston-Glasgow main linerailway and Grand Union Canal followthe Bulbourne Valley. Just to the east ofthe borough lies the M1 motorwaywhilst to the south is the London orbitalM25 motorway. The Civic Offices are inHemel Hempstead, one of the largestnew towns in Hertfordshire with apopulation of 80,000. HemelHempstead has a large industrial estateadjacent to the M1 motorway andextensive office accommodation withinthe town centre. The Marlowesshopping centre has a shop mobility

scheme and the town centre ispedestrianised to enhance theshopping potential.

Building ControlBuilding Control is a service unit of the Planning Development andRegeneration Department. The BuildingControl service unit has two BuildingControl teams. The service unit has itsown in-house structural engineer. Toenhance the service all staff on sitecarry mobile phones so they can becontacted while out of the office. Theoffice has been computerised andelectronic applications can beaccepted.

AvailabilityBuilding Control staff are available atthe Civic Offices between the times9.00/10.00am and 4.00/5.15pm(4.45pm Friday). It may be possible tospeak to a technical officer during theday, however if they are unavailable amember of the administration team willbe available to give general advice. Anyinspection request by letter ortelephone received before 10am will becarried out that day. Officers carrymobile phones and can be contactedduring the day. Dacorum BoroughCouncil carries out all direct and relatedfunctions of Building Control and theextended activities of- “Access Officer” role- Inspection of temporary grandstands- Safety at sports grounds

Dacorum Borough Council

Apsley lock development

18

ContactsCivic Centre, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP1 1HHTelephone No. (01442) 228000Fax (01442) 228581Email:[email protected]

Hours Monday-Thursday 8.45am-5.15pm Friday 8.45am-4.45pm

Principal Building Control Officers:

Team 1 Chris Williams (01442) 228582Mobile 07850 006128

Team 2 Bill Thompson (01442) 228273Mobile 07850 006127

Structural Engineer John Keeton(01442) 228907 Mobile 07850 006125

Building Control Office ManagerAngela Lawler (01442) 228587

Police:Combe Street, Hemel Hempstead(01442) 218433

Fire Brigade:Queensway, Hemel Hempstead

Fire Station (01442) 254157

Fire Prevention (01442) 263343

Riverside shopping development

Regeneration of Hemel Hempstead

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A11

BISHOPSSTORTFORD

SAWBRIDGEWORTH

Buckland

Buntingford

HareStreet

Wyddial

AnsteyMeesden

BrentPelham

StockingPelham

FurneuxPelham

Aspenden

Albury

Braughing

Puckeridge

Standon

MuchHadham

HighWych

Eastwick

Widford

Hunsdon

StansteadAbbots

GreatAmwell

WARE

HERTFORDHERTFORDHERTFORD

HertfordHeath

LettyGreen

Bayford

LittleBerkhamsted

Tewin Waterford

Bramfield

AstonDane End

Watton atStone

Stapleford

Benington

Cottered

Ardeley

Walkern

A507

A10

A10

A120 A120

A1184

A414

A10

A1170

A602A119

A414

A414

R. Rib

R. Ash

R. Lea

R. Lea

R. Mimram

R. S

tort

Junction8

ToStanstedAirport


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Hertfordshire, it has been said, is‘England’s Best Kept Secret’. If so thenright at the heart of the secret is EastHertfordshire, the county’s largest andarguably most picturesque district. Forthe 130,000 people who live here, or forthose who pass through as visitors, thetowns, villages and tiny rural hamletsare the embodiment of rural England.At the heart of each town is a pattern ofstreets and buildings all but unchangedfrom medieval t imes. The roll ingcountryside and ancient villages andhamlets have also been little changedby the centuries. Although agriculturalpractices have altered enormously inthe last 100 years, the shape of theland and much woodland remains, andleafy lanes sunk between centuries-oldhedgerows are still the rule away fromthe main roads. Not that East Herts istechnologically backward – severalhigh technology businesses havebases in the district, andpharmaceuticals research andmanufacture, precision engineering,materials research and plastics aremajor industries, contributing to verylow unemployment levels in an areawhere agriculture is still a major part ofthe local economy. Nor is the areaisolated. The A1(M), M1, M11 and M25are a few minutes drive outside theboundaries and the London-Cambridge road (now the A10) runsthrough the middle of the district as ithas done for centuries. By rail, the fourlarger towns are under an hour awayfrom central London. Stansted –

developing as London’s third airport –is less than 10 minutes from the centreof Bishop’s Stortford.

Building ControlThe Building Control Consultancy issituated at Wallf ields, Pegs Lane,Hertford. A team of District Surveyorstogether with administrative staff ensurethat a full building control service isprovided throughout the district.Dangerous structures and the control ofdemolit ions are also dealt with byBuilding Control. For Building Controlpurposes, the district is divided intoseven areas with an experiencedDistrict Surveyor assigned to each area.The surveyors check plans and carryout site inspections within their ownareas. This gives them an in depthknowledge of all aspects of theproposals enabling them to offer helpand guidance on site where necessary.East Hertfordshire is subject to a varietyof differing ground conditions and priorknowledge of these conditions canprove invaluable. The division is alwayshappy to arrange meetings with agents,applicants, developers and builders todiscuss proposals and offer guidancewhere necessary, includingconsultation with the Fire Authority andother departments such as Planning,Main Drainage, Highways andEnvironmental Health. For largerschemes, this liaison and the level ofservice offered can be formalised in aService Level Agreement.

East HertfordshireDistrict Council

FS 83919

Hertford Castle

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Pub fire

Listed buildings in Hertford

Hertford town Sustainable housing development

23

Turn-RoundThe Consultancy is proud of the factthat, for a number of years, it hasachieved its turn-round target of threeweeks maximum on 97% of allapplications, with 80% achieved in lessthan two weeks and an average turn-round of six working days.

AvailabilityThe surveyors can normally becontacted between 9.00 and 10.00amfrom Monday to Friday by telephone orat the office. Appointments can bearranged for other times during theday subject to prior commitments. Thesurveyors will respond to either writtenor telephone requests for siteinspections. Where requests arereceived before 10.00am a visit can bemade the same day. A telephoneanswering service is available toreceive inspection requests outsidenormal office hours.

ContactsThe district is subdivided intomanageable areas, each of which isthe responsibility of a named DistrictSurveyor. A Team Manager takesresponsibility for day to day activitieswith a Building Control Manager takingoverall responsibility for the running ofthe section.

Area 1 – Stuart Robertson, DistrictSurveyor Ext. 1454 Ardeley, Aston,Benington, Bulls Green, BurnhamGreen, Cottered, Cromer, Dane End,Datchworth, Great Munden, Haultwick,Hooks Cross, Little Munden, Nasty,Sacombe, Throcking, Walkern,Watton-at-Stone, Whempstead, Wood End

Area 2 – Barry Pead, Senior DistrictSurveyor Ext. 1455 Barwick, Bayford,Bengeo Rural, Birch Green, Bramfield,Brickendon, Chapmore End, Cole Green, Colliers End, CrouchFields, Epping Green, Hertingfordbury,High Cross, Latchford, Letty Green,Litt le Berkhamsted, Puckeridge,

Staines Green, Standon, StandonGreen End, Stapleford, Tewin,Thundridge, Tonwell, Waterford,Wellpond Green

Area 3 – Chris Bell, Principal DistrictSurveyor Ext. 1457 Hertford

Area 4 – Tony Wells, PrincipalDistrict Surveyor Ext. 1679 GreatAmwell, Hailey, Hertford Heath,Hoddesdon, Stanstead Abbotts, Ware,Wareside

Area 5 – Paul Smith, PrincipalDistrict Surveyor Ext. 1456Bishop’s Stortford

Area 6 – Jerry Elliott, Senior DistrictSurveyor Ext. 1463 Eastwick, Gilston,High Wych, Hunsdon, Pye Corner,Sawbridgeworth, Thorley Street,Widford

Area 7 – Richard Hearne, DistrictSurveyor Ext. 1451 Albury, Anstey,Aspenden, Braughing, Brent Pelham,Buckland, Buntingford, Chipping,Dassells, Furneux Pelham, GreatHormead, Hare Street, Hay Street,Litt le Hadham, Litt le Hormead,Meesden, Much Hadham, StockingPelham, Westland Green, Westmill,Wyddial

Paul AR Smith, Assistant DistrictSurveyor, Ext.1684

John Swainson, Team Manager

Trevor Clements, Building ControlManager

All are contactable at: Building Control Consultancy, East Hertfordshire District Council,Wallfields, Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8EQ. Telephone (01279) 655261 Fax (01992) 531439 Email:[email protected]

24

RADLETT

Aldenham

LetchmoreHeath

BUSHEY

Elstree

BOREHAMWOOD

POTTERSBAR

Ridge

SouthMimms

Shenley Junction23/1

Junction22

Junct24

Junction4

Junction5

A4008

A41

A409

A4140

A5 A41

A411

A1A1081

A1000 A111

A1005

A1000A1(M)

M25

A1081

R.Co

lne

R. Colne

A1

Res

Res

N

0 2 miles

© Crown copyright 397970 / Ten Alps Publishing

M1

25

Hertsmere covers an area of nearly 38square miles in the south ofHertfordshire, bordering GreaterLondon. It is surrounded by the Londonboroughs of Harrow, Barnet and Enfieldto the south and east and the districtsof Three Rivers, Watford and St Albansto the north and west. Hertsmere’sresidential population exceeds 98,000and its main centres are Bushey,Elstree and Borehamwood, Potters Barand Radlett. Outside these areas theborough l ies entirely within theMetropolitan Green Belt, containingscenic countryside and severalattractive villages. Hertsmere enjoysexcellent communication links withneighbouring centres. London is onlyabout 25 minutes away by rail, with adirect connection to Gatwick, and theM1, M25, and A1 (M) motorways passthrough the borough.

Building ControlHertsmere’s Building Control sectionforms part of the Planning and BuildingControl Unit and is located in the CivicOffices at Borehamwood. Themanagement and technical team ofseven surveyors and student deal withapplications ranging from domesticextensions, new houses and flats,commercial developments, privateschools, through to sports and leisurefacilities. The section also supervisesthe removal of dangerous buildingsand other structures, and the control ofdemolit ions. Wherever possible,professional advice will be given andthe unit actively encourages Architects,Surveyors, Engineers and Developersto recognise and include BuildingControl Surveyors as being an integralpart of the design team, in order toensure that the health and safety needsof the public are met. The builder, orapplicant, is also encouraged to notifythe section for non-statutoryinspections to ensure that the worksare fully inspected. In order to meetthese operational needs and to ensurethat the section achieves and maintainsa quality service, the following serviceobjectives have been formulated.

Building Control ServiceObjectives1. Site Inspection ServiceRespond to all requests on same day,providing notification is given prior to10.00am. Revisit building siteswhenever possible. Maintain flexibilityfor on-site appointments outside10.30am-3.30pm time frame whereverpossible. Formulate policies for on-siteinspections to ensure consistency ofinterpretation and approach throughoutthe borough.

2. Plan Examination ServiceExamine and respond to 99% ofapplications within three weeks ofsubmission. Examine and respond to

HertsmereBorough Council

Council offices

26

New roof

New development

Groundworks

27

100% of applications within five weeksof submission. Issue conditionalapprovals wherever possible.Applications can be submittedelectronically and access to thissystem can be found on the BuildingControl part of the Council’s websitewww.hertsmere.gov.uk

3. Service to the CommunityThe section recognises the fact that fordomestic extensions, loft conversionsand alterations, Building Control arelikely to be the only professionalservice involved in the supervision ofworks carried out on site and thusactively encourage owners to contactthe section to resolve any queriesor problems. Members of the publicare able to check whether BuildingRegulation applications havebeen received for individual properties(since 1986) by using theWeb Browser on the Building Controlpart of the Council’s website.Explanatory information relatingto Building Regulations together withforms, charge schedules etc. canbe found on the Council’s websitewww.hertsmere.gov.uk under BuildingControl.

4. DemolitionsTo respond and deal with noticesreceived for intended demolitionswithin a maximum of 10 days fromreceipt.

5. Dangerous StructuresTo respond and effectively deal withreports relating to dangerousstructures thus ensuring themaintenance of public health andsafety.

AvailabilityThe Building Control section can becontacted between 8.45am and5.15pm. The surveyors are normally onsite from 10.30am to 3.30pm, althougharrangements can be made for calls tobe made outside these hours. There isusually someone available at the office

to give professional advice duringnormal working hours. The sectionintends to provide an approachable,professional service to all i tscustomers.

ContactsDistrict Surveyor Hertsmere Borough Council Civic Offices, Elstree WayBorehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 1WA Telephone: 020 8207 2277 Fax: 020 8207 7470 Email:[email protected] Website: www.hertsmere.gov.uk Advice on Health Authority work,school developments andconsultations Extension 5930 Advice on access to buildings, meansof escape in case of fire, structural andgeotechnical enquiries Extension 5955 General enquiries for Bushey,Aldenham and Radlett areas Extension 5980 General enquiries for Borehamwood,Elstree and Potters Bar areasExtension 5950 Administration Extension 5690 If you experience any problems, orhave any complaints, you can contactthe Section on their direct line – 0208207 7456.

Other useful telephone numbersFire and Rescue Service – Fire SafetyOfficer 01707 346155 British GasEmergencies 0800 111999 WaterThree Valleys Water Plc 0845 782 3333 ElectricityEastern Region 0870 196 3090 Hertsmere BCEmergency contact (includingdangerous structures) Out of hourstelephone 0845 300 0021

28

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29

Building Control does not exist as anobstacle to your intentions, but toensure that buildings are safe, healthy,accessible and sustainable for currentand future generations.

This is achieved by checking plans ofproposed works and then carrying outinspections of the work on site as itproceeds.

The Building RegulationsThe Building Regulations deal with thestructural stabil i ty and design ofbuildings from the point of view of thehealth and safety of people who will liveand work within or around thebuildings. The Building Regulations laydown minimum standards ofconstruction covering the followingmatters:

• Structure • Fire safety • Site preparation and resistance

to moisture • Toxic substances • Resistance to passage of sound • Ventilation • Hygiene • Drainage and waste disposal • Heat producing appliances • Protection from falling, collision

and impact • Conservation of fuel and power • Access to and use of buildings • Glazing – safety in relation to

impact, opening and cleaning • Electrical installations in dwellings • Materials and workmanship

Practical guidance on ways to complywith the functional requirements of theBuilding Regulations is contained in aseries of Approved Documents whichare to be read alongside each of thefourteen ‘parts’ to the BuildingRegulations. Each document contains:

1. General guidance on theperformance expected of materials andbuilding work in order to comply witheach of the requirements of theBuilding Regulations; and

2. Practical examples and solutions onhow to achieve compliance for some ofthe more common building situations.

Work that requires BuildingRegulation ApprovalThe following building work requires aBuilding Regulations application andinspection of work as it progresses.There are a few exceptions, and theseare explained under the heading ofexempt building work:

• Erecting a building.• Extending a building.• Structurally altering a building,

such as; removal of a load bearingwall or; removal of any part of achimney or; enlargement of anopening in a load bearing wall or;underpinning of a wall.

• Materially altering a building,such as; conversion of a garage

Building Control

Building Control advice

30

SG6 Construction Ltd, PO Box 295Letchworth Garden City, Herts., SG6 9EX

Tel: 01462 670591 Fax: 01462 671456 Mobile: 07834 353091

Email: [email protected]: www.sg6construction.com

Edis Construction is a leading team of construction engineersproviding all aspects of general building work in Stevenage.

Edis Construction was established many years ago and has grown tobe trusted and recommended through referrals in Stevenage.

We have built up a reputation for being the premier company in thebuilding trade. We offer a complete design and building plan drawingservice. This services goes right through to applications for anapproval as well as additional specification and management services.

Our time served builders will ensure your home is dealt withrespectfully and always left clean and tidy. We always strive to ensureour building work is done on time and within budget.

Our services include.• general building • house extensions• commercial building • restoration work

For more details on our services, please do not hesitate tocontact us 01438 357 633 or 07905 087388


55 Minehead Way, Symons Green, StevenageHertfordshire SG1 2HY

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS

Lake Associates wasformed in 1998 from theBuilding Consultancy andArchitectural division ofFerguson Hollis,established in London in 1984.

We aim to provide clients with independent professional adviceand services to increase value, efficiency and use of theirproperty, whether in respect of acquisit ion, disposal,occupancy, investment development or improvement.

We offer a comprehensive range of services and ourprofessional qualified team of surveyors, architects, engineers,etc., have as much as 30 years experience in commercial, retail,industrial and residential sectors. These services are called uponby a growing number of national and international clients, manyof whom have worked with the practice since its foundation.

Lowfield House, Brocket Road, Hoddesdon,Hertfordshire EN11 8PB

Tel: 01992 535001 Fax: 01992 467110Email: [email protected]: www.lake-associates.com

Project Management • Building Surveying • Architecture • Interior DesignCost Consultancy • Health & Safety • Party Wall • Dispute Resolution

Space Planning • Fire Insurance • Defect Analysis

31

into a habitable area or; conversionof a loft into a habitable area or;alterations that will affect means ofescape or; alterations that wil lworsen disabled access or; re-covering of a pitched roof withdifferent materials or; insertion ofinsulating material into a cavity wall.

• Carrying out a “Change of Use” ofcertain buildings, including; whena building is used as a dwellingwhen previously it was not; when abuilding contains a flat where itpreviously did not; when a buildingwhich contains at least onedwell ing, contains a greater orlesser number of dwellings than itdid previously; when a building isused as a hotel or institution whenpreviously it was not; when abuilding is used as a public buildinge.g. school, theatre, hall, church etc.when previously it was not; thebuilding contains a room forresidential purposes, wherepreviously it did not; the building,which contains at least one room forresidential purposes, contains agreater or lesser number of suchrooms than it did previously; thebuilding is used as a shop, wherepreviously it was not.

• Altering or extending a controlledservice, such as; installation of anew toilet, bathroom or showerroom involving new drainage orplumbing; replacement or new

windows and rooflights unless fittedby a FENSA Registered installer;replacement or new domestic oilfired boilers, unless fitted by anOFTEC Registered installer;replacement or new gas boilers,unless fitted by a CORGI Registeredinstaller; replacement or newdomestic solid fuel boilers, unlessfitted by a HETAS Registeredinstaller; replacement of a chimneyflue; installation of unvented hotwater systems; certain domesticelectrical installations; changing theenergy status of a building;renovation of a thermal element.

Work that is Exempt fromBuilding Regulation Approval I t is not necessary to submit anapplication to Building Control for thefollowing type of building works as theyare exempt from the BuildingRegulations:

• A porch at ground level, providedthat it does not contain a WC, thetotal floor area does not exceed30m

2and the existing front door is

retained in its existing position.

• A conservatory at ground level,provided that the total floor areadoes not exceed 30m2, at least 75%of the roof is transparent (i.e.glazed), at least 50% of the externalwalls are transparent and separationis maintained between it and therest of the living accommodation(i.e. any doors or windows remain).The conservatory must not obstructladder access to any second floorescape windows.

• A carport at ground level, providedthat the total floor area does notexceed 30m2 and it is open on twosides.

Building Inspector

32

Electrical works:

DomesticCommercialIndustrialTesting & InspectingPat Testing

MSL is the complete electrical,plumbing and building service

Mobile: 07851-541858Home: 01438 238 447 Web: www.mslbuild.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

Established since 1970, RGM are specialist electrical contractorsand cover a wide area of electrical work, including residential,commercial and industrial installations and all maintenance works.With over 35 years’ experience RGM Electrics have a wide varietyof skills

The range of our work covers:• Fault finding and repairs • New wiring• Free estimates • Fire alarms• Emergency lighting • Security lighting• Portable appliance testing• Test & inspecting specialist • Landlords certificates• Lighting design • Low voltage lighting • Under-floor heating• Fuse box upgrades • Same day service

All work is guaranteed and installations conform to the 17thEdition of IEE Regulations, relevant Codes of Practice, NIC EICWiring Inspection Council and British Standards.

Should you require any of the above services or any additionalinformation please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Tel: 01707 878868 & 020 8364 2263Mob: 07831 551034

Email: [email protected] High Ridge, Cuffley, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 4JH

Barrett Lane• Electrical Inspection• Electrical Surveys• Appliance Testing• Electrical Design• Rewiring• Free Quotations

Tel: 01707 242231Email: [email protected]

40, Bramble Rd,Hatfield,Hertfordshire AL10 9SA

Property Maintenance Experts

Bob’s HomeMaintenance

– Electrician –

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Herts AL3 7EAMobile: 07841340395

Email:[email protected]

33

• A veranda, loggia or covered wayat ground level, with a total floorarea not exceeding 30m2.

• A single storey detached buildingwith a floor area not exceeding15m2, provided that it doesnot contain any sleepingaccommodation.

• A single storey detached buildingwith a floor area between 15m2

and 30m2, provided that it doesnot contain any sleepingaccommodation, and if constructedwithin 1 metre of any boundary isbuilt of non-combustible materialsuch as bricks or blocks.

• Greenhouse, provided that it is notused for retailing or exhibiting.

• Agricultural buildings, (includingthose used for horticultural, fruitgrowing, the growing of plants forseed and fish farming, but not thoseused for retail ing, packing orexhibiting) provided that no part ofthe building is used as a dwelling,no part of the building is less thanone and a half times its height fromany part of a building that containssleeping accommodation and thebuilding is provided with a fire exitnot more than 30 metres from anypoint within the building.

• Temporary Building, provided itdoes not remain erected for morethan 28 days.

Making an Application Your application to the local authoritymay be in one of the following twoforms:

Full Plans

A Full Plans application can be used forall types of building work. You mustsubmit the following with yourapplication:

• Completed Full Plans applicationform.

• Appropriate plan fee (the inspectionfee is payable on commencement ofwork).

• Site location plan – scale 1:1250. • Two copies of the drawings.

Drawings should include - Elevations – scale 1:100. - Plan views – scale 1:50. - Sections – scale 1:50. - Specification – for the materials and

construction proposed to be used inthe foundations, walls, floors, roof,drainage etc.

- Detail drawings – only where theyare required to clarify any parts ofthe construction – scale 1:20 or 1:10.

• Specification for the materials andconstruction proposed to be used inthe foundations, walls, floors, roof,drainage etc.

• Calculations to justify structuralmembers, thermal performance ofthe building or other requirementsof the regulations.

• If the work to a building isdesignated under the RegulatoryReform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 afurther two sets of plans detailingfire safety measures that are tobe taken.

Groundworks

34

J P Electrical Ltd -Electricians in HemelHempstead andsurrounding areas

• Fully Qualified Electricians• Commercial, Industrial, Domestic• All Electrical Work Undertaken• Commercial Maintenance• ELECSA Approved• PART P Registered• Emergency Call Outs welcome• Established Since 1992

Tel: 01442 231205Mob: 07973 138341271 Long Chaulden, Hemel Hempstead HP1 2NX

Danks & Son

Tel: 01442 400 476Mob: 07932 039 559email: [email protected]

Specialist in block paving,slabbing and all types oflandscaping.

All types of groundworksundertaken includingfootings, oversites anddrainage.

• Part L Compliance ReportsSAP Reports for Residential PropertySBEM Reports for Commercial Property

• Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) For New Build & Existing Properties

• Air Pressure TestingArchitects, Developers or Self Builders -Whether you would like to model yourbuilding at the design stage or need to getyour finished project approved by BuildingControl we would be pleased to offer ourservices.

-Fully accredited assessors-Comprehensive PI & PL Insurance-Prompt Reliable Service-Hertfordshire based -Competitive pricesTelephone: 01992 460925Mobile: 07904 643851Email: [email protected]: www.sterling-es.co.uk

SAP calculations for new build & extensions

Energy Assessments

Code for Sustainable Homes

Air Pressure Testing

Part L compliance

Part G compliance

Renewable Energy

We offer a complete service that ensures Part L compliance,incorporating any special planning conditions, specifyconstruction details, specify sound insulation (Part E), specifynatural or mechanical ventilation systems (Part F) and carry outwater usage calculation (Part G). We can then pressure testthe finished building. Ensuring an easy and cost effective routeto your Completion Certificate.

Merlin Property Services34 Hearnes Meadow, Seer Green, Bucks HP9 2YJ

Phone: 01494 676133 Email: enquiries@merlinpropertyservices.comwww.merlinpropertyservices.com

35

Note: Premises that are not currentlydesignated are single private dwellings.However any areas within domesticpremises that are used in common bythe occupants of more than onedwelling, such as a common escaperoute used by two or more flats, aredesignated. If you have no experienceof preparing plans it is recommendedthat you employ a surveyor or architectto make the application for you. Onceyour application has been received, it isregistered and an acknowledgementletter sent to applicant and agent. Theplans are checked for compliance withthe Building Regulations, if there areany defects your agent will be notified.Revised drawings may either be sent tothe local authority or the original copiesamended at the Council Offices.Surveyors are generally availableduring the week to discuss yourproposals from 8.30am to 10.30am andfrom 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Once the planscomply with the Regulations the localauthority will approve your application.If the defects are not resolved within 5weeks, extendable to 2 months, thelocal authority will reject the application.Following rejection, amended plansmay be submitted for approval at anytime. No further charge is payableprovided the work is substantially thesame. The local authority is required bylaw to use metric units as the primeunits of measurement. Applicants are

asked to use metric measurements soas to avoid conversion errors.

Building Notice

A Building Notice application can beused for buildings that are notdesignated under the RegulatoryReform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Anyareas within domestic premises that areused in common by the occupants ofmore than one dwelling, such as acommon escape route used by two ormore flats are designated and a FullPlans application is required. If you arebuilding over or within 3m of a publicsewer, a Full Plans application isalways required. Unlike Full Plans,detailed drawings are not normallyrequired. However, you must submitthe following with your application:

• Completed Building Notice form.

• Building Notice fee.

• Site location plan – minimum scale1:1250.

• Additional information – plans andcalculations may be required toshow how your work complies withthe Building Regulations. Once yourapplication has been received, ifacceptable, it is registered and anacknowledgement letter sent to theapplicant. For replacement ofwindows and doors (unless aFENSA registered company isused) many authorit ies have aspecific Building Notice form for thereplacement of doors and windows.

Table of Fees The Local Authority is required tocharge for the processing of BuildingRegulation applications and siteinspections to recover their costs.Please contact the Local Authoritywhere the work is to be carried out forfull details. Oak beams

36

Carpentry & JoinerySpecialists

• Raised Access Floors• Suspended Ceilings• Acoustic Flooring Works• Partitioning & Office Fitting• Fire Protection• Computer Room Environments• Building Refurbishment• Windows & Doors• General Building Works

15 Friarscroft, Broxbourne, Herts EN10 7JZTelephone: 01992 444902 • Fax: 01992 447303


37

How Long Does a Decision Take?For a Full Plans application the LocalAuthority is required to give writtennotice of the passing or rejection ofplans within five weeks of their deposit,unless it is agreed in writing that theperiod be extended to a maximum oftwo calendar months from the date ofthe application. Every effort is made bynegotiation to pass the plan within theprescribed period. If the Local Authorityreject your plan under a Full Planssubmission, you may resubmit withrevisions or ask the Secretary of Stateto determine the issue following theprocedures contained in the legislation.If you decide to deposit a BuildingNotice you will only need to provide asite plan and other minimuminformation and are able to start workwithin 48 hours of notification withouthaving to provide plans. The LocalAuthority may, however, ask you toprovide additional plans, specificationsand structural calculations if considerednecessary in the interests of health andsafety.

How Long Does an Approval ofPlans Remain Valid? Both Full Plans Approvals and BuildingNotices are valid for three years afterwhich they expire if the work has notcommenced within this period. There istherefore no reason why a Full Plansapplication should not be submittedwell in advance of the date that workcommences. A Building Notice must besubmitted at least 48 hours beforecommencement.

When Are InspectionsRequired? Your builder should notify the LocalAuthority at the start of work and oncompletion of certain stages of work.Commencement and completionshould be in writ ing and otherinspections can be requested bytelephone. It is important that this

responsibil i ty is observed by thedeveloper/builder in order that propersupervision can be undertaken. It maybe difficult to sell a property if theseprocedures are not followed. The LocalAuthority must be notified to inspect theworks within the statutory time framedetailed below:

• Commencement – 2 days prior tocommencement

• Excavation for foundations – 1 dayprior to inspection

• Concrete foundations – 1 day priorto inspection

• Oversite hardcore and membrane –1 day prior to inspection

• Damp-proof course laid – 1 dayprior to inspection

• Drains before covering – 1 day priorto inspection

• Drains back-filled and on test – 1day prior to inspection

• Structural beams and bearings – 1day prior to inspection

• Floor and roof construction – 1 dayprior to inspection

• Occupation of the building – 5 daysprior to occupation

• Final completion and drain testwithin 5 days of Completion

Site inspections are usually scheduledbetween 10.30am and 3.30pm or atother times by prior agreement with yoursurveyor. We endeavour to inspect onthe same day if requests are received bythe Local Authority before 10.00am.

Contravention of the Regulations If the Local Authority considers that theBuilding Regulations are contravenedor that you have started work withoutan application, a Notice may be served

39

requiring you to take down or alter theworks within 28 days. If you disagree,you may notify the Local Authority thatyou propose to obtain an independentexpert’s report, in which case theperiod is extended to 70 days. TheLocal Authority may withdraw theNotice in light of the report, but if theydo not, you may appeal to theMagistrates’ Court.

Completion Certificates A completion certificate will be availableupon satisfactory completion of thework and will assist in future housesales.

Regularisation Certificates This allows building work for which, forany reason, permission was notobtained and which was commencedon or after 11 November 1985, to beregularised. If the person who carriedout the works failed to deposit planswith the Local Authority and also didnot give the required notices, then theycan apply to the Local Authority for aRegularisation Certif icate. Theapplication should include:

• application form

• a plan of the unauthorised work

• a plan showing any additional workto ensure that the unauthorisedwork complies with therequirements of the buildingregulations that were in force at thetime the works were carried out, and

• a regularisation fee (see scale ofcharges for the Local Authoritywhere the work was carried out).

The Local Authority, after acceptance ofthe application, may require theapplicant to take steps to ensure thatthe relevant requirements of thebuilding regulations are met. Thesemay include:

• laying open the unauthorised workfor inspection

• making tests • taking samples.

The Local Authority shall notify theapplicant:

• of what work is required to becarried out for compliance, or

• that they cannot determine whatwork is required to comply, or

• that no work is required to securecompliance.

The Local Authority may give acertificate if they are satisfied that:

1. the relevant requirements have beensatisfied, or

2. no work is required to secure that thecontravening work satisfies the relevantrequirements.

A Regularisation Certificate is evidencebut not conclusive evidence that therelevant requirements specified in thecertificate have been complied with.

Dangerous Structures Under Section 78 of the Building Act1984, the Local Authority has the powerto take appropriate action when astructure poses a potential safety risk.Owners will be required to remedy thedefects or direct our contractors tocarry out works to make the building orstructure safe.

Demolition Under Section 80 of the Building Act1984 anyone carrying out demolitionwork is required to notify the LocalAuthority. The Local Authority then hassix weeks to respond with appropriatenotices and consultation underSections 81 and 82 of the Act. Furtherdetails can be found on the reverse ofthe application form or on theaccompanying literature.

40

WINDOW AND DOOR SPECIALISTS– ESTABLISHED 1992 –

• TRADITIONAL SASH AND CASEMENT WINDOWS• SINGLE AND DOUBLE GLAZED• EXACT REPLICAS OF EXISTING WINDOWS• ONLY HIGH QUALITY TIMBER USED• HAND PAINTED FINISH• MANUFACTURE AND INSTALL• LISTED BUILDINGS A SPECIALITY

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CONVERSIONCOMPANY

THE LOFT CONVERSION COMPANYSpecialists in loft conversion and extensions

throughout Hertfordshire, Essex & North London

The Loft Conversion Company offers the full package for all clients, with a schedule of works provided before any works are carried out; we work with you

to ensure the whole experience is an enjoyable one. As you will see below, we are the complete solution.

Plans and planning permission •Full schedule of works provided before commencement of works •

All works carried out by The Loft Conversion Company •All works certificated and approved •

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31 Robertson CloseTurnfordCheshuntHertfordshireEN10 6AY

T: 01992 471963M: 07702 407085E: [email protected]

41

Electrical Safety Certain aspects of domestic electricalwork such as adding a new circuit to ahome, or replacing a socket-outlet or alight switch on an existing circuit in ahigh risk area such as a kitchen orbathroom, or electrical installations topond pumps, sheds, garages,conservatories, greenhouses and otherdetached buildings will be controlled bythe requirements of the BuildingRegulations. Building Controlrecommend that electrical work isundertaken by an electrician registeredunder the government’s self-certification scheme. This ‘CompetentPerson Scheme’ allows registeredelectricians to design, install and certifythat their work is in compliance withPart P of the Building Regulations andissue a ‘Domestic Inspection Certificate’stating compliance has been met. Suchschemes are run by CORGI, ELECSA,NAPIT, OFTEC, BRE Certif ication,British Standards Institution and ZurichCertification Ltd. There may be othersin the future. Alternatively, if you chooseto use an electrician who is notregistered under the Competent PersonScheme you must contact your relevantBuilding Control office to discuss thematter prior to any commencement ofsite work. Residents should be awarethat if approval certificates are notobtained, the future sale of theirproperty will be affected. In certaininstances legal action could be takenand additional expense incurred by thehouseholder in having a retrospective‘Property Inspection Report’ carriedout.

Building WarrantyThe LABC (Local Authority BuildingControl) New Home Warranty is aquality service offering specif ic

competitive products for speculativeresidential housing, social housing andself build.

The LABC New Home Warrantyscheme has been created inpartnership between LABC, therepresentative body for Local AuthorityBuilding Control, and MD InsuranceServices Limited (MDIS) the companythat administers the scheme which isregulated by the Financial ServicesAuthority (FSA).

This caters for speculative developersand builders covering conversions, newbuild and mixed use developments.The product recognises and rewardsquality projects with competit ivepremiums and market-leading terms.Service and support is fast andseamless because of MDIS’sexperienced, dedicated customerservice team.

LABC Social Housing WarrantyA competitive tailored solution coveringshared-ownership, rented or key workeraccommodation projects. Quality isrewarded with the same advantagesgiven to speculative developers. Covercan be provided for either a 10 or 12year period.

LABC Self Build WarrantyDesigned specifically for individualsbuilding their own homes – both newbuild and conversions – to providepeace of mind. Quality is rewardedthrough competitive premiums andexcellent service based on MDIS’sextensive experience of self buildprojects.

How to Get a Quotation:Either by telephone 0845 054 0505 oremail [email protected]

42

A1(M)

A602A505

A505

A600

A507

A505 A10A1

HITCHIN

LETCHWORTH

BALDOCK

ROYSTON

Barley

ReedBarkway

Nuthampstead

Therfield

Kelshall

Sandon

Wallington

Ashwell

Newnham

Hinxworth

Bygrave

Radwell

Clothall

Weston

Graveley

Hall'sGreen

GreatGreatGreatWymondleyWymondleyWymondley

LittleWymondley

Gosmore

HolwellPirton Ickleford

LilleyGreatOffley

HextonHextonHexton

Preston

Langley

Whitewell

Kimpton Codicote

KnebworthKnebworthKnebworth

Cockernhoe

KingsWalden

Junction9

Junction8

Junction7

Junction10

N


N O R T H H E R T F O R D S H I R ED I S T R I C T C O U N C I L

43

North Hertfordshire District Council wasformed in 1974 by the merger of fiveexisting authorities. This attractivedistrict covers some 145 square milesof mainly rural countryside following abroad chalk escarpment in the north ofthe county. The district boasts aparticularly beautiful mix of countrysideand villages with an abundance ofhistoric buildings, archaeological andwildlife sites. The area stretches fromRoyston at the north-eastern end toKimpton and Codicote in the south andfrom Nuthampstead in the east toHexton in the west, includingLetchworth. The district has apopulation of approximately 115,000,living mainly in its four diverse and free-standing towns linked by the A505. Thedistrict benefits from good accessibilityafforded by the A1(M) and M1

motorways, Kings Cross rail link andLuton and Stansted airports, both within30 minutes by road. This has resultedin a very high level of investment inthe district, ensuring a busy andvaried caseload for the Building Controlservice.

The Building Control service is part ofthe Planning, Housing and EnterpriseDirectorate. A busy team of qualifiedBuilding Control Surveyors, withtechnical administrative support,ensures that a quality service isprovided. The service is QualityAssured and regularly audited by theBSI ensuring consistently high levels ofsatisfaction. This was endorsed by theprestigious Charter Mark award forexcellence in Public Service. An activeCustomer Liaison Panel is coordinatedwith the Planning Department tocontinually monitor and instigateservice enhancements.

As well as being key players in theDevelopment Team at North Herts, theservice also fulf i ls the Authority’sstatutory functions including a 24/7dangerous structure service and controlof demolitions within the district.

Service DeliveryThe group is divided into two mainteams covering the East and Westareas of the district. The East teamcovers the Royston and Baldock areasand surrounding villages. The Westteam covers Letchworth and Hitchinand surrounding vil lages andcommunities to the outskirts of Welwyn,including Knebworth, famous for itsstately home and music festivals.

Each team is responsible for assessingsubmissions and undertakingsubsequent site inspections within theirarea. This gives our surveyors anunrivalled depth of local knowledge ofwork in progress and environmentalfactors, resulting in helpful, constructive

NorthHertfordshireDistrict Council

A thatched cottage in North Hertfordshire

44

advice to clients and ensuring thatprojects are managed as seamlessly aspossible. Whilst the district is based ona chalk escarpment, a variety of groundconditions exist. Prior knowledge ofthese has proved invaluable, oftenresulting in financial and efficiencysavings for our clients. We usuallyassess and respond to all applicationswithin 10 working days of deposit andwill issue a decision on all applicationswithin the designated statutory period.

Our surveyors are always pleased todiscuss prospective developments withapplicants, agents, developers, ownersor builders, and to offer practical adviceand guidance on ways to satisfy therequirements of the relevant legislation.They can also facilitate meetings orconsultation with other key members ofthe Development Team includingPlanning, Environmental Health,Drainage or Highways. We meetregularly with colleagues from the FireAuthority with whom we have anexcellent working relationship enablingus to provide a highly efficient customerfocussed service.

The Council’s Customer ServiceCentre, staffed by a team ofprofessionals, has enabled us to assistthe public with any Council enquiry,giving greater access to Councilservices in a way that is suited to ourcustomers.

Applications may be made in thetraditional manner or electronically.Please contact us to discuss yourspecific requirements. We are membersof the Local Authority National TypeApproval Consortium (LANTAC) andcan therefore offer developers theopportunity of obtaining a nationallyrecognised approval for standarddesigns and systems.

The service also participates in thePartnership Scheme whereby key

clients are offered a single point ofcontact and may choose to submitplans to us for work anywhere in thecountry. Site inspections are carried outby the Local Authority for that area,providing essential local knowledgeand a swift response to inspectionrequests. The success of ourpartnerships to date is a testament tothe popularity of the scheme.

ContactsSurveyors can normally be contacteddirectly for advice between 09.00-10.00am and 3.30-5.00pm fromMonday to Friday either by telephoneor by email. Appointments, by priorarrangement can also be made. Whilstout on site, all surveyors can becontacted by mobile phone.

Site inspections can be arranged bytelephone, in writ ing or via email.Where requests are received prior to10.00am we aim to guarantee a same-day visit. Requests may also be left24 hours a day on our InspectionHotline answering service on 01462474533. Our dangerous structureservice can also be contacted outsideoffice hours via the EmergencyServices or the Council’s ControlCentre on 01462 459 368.

For further information on any aspect ofour service, please contact:

Building Control North Hertfordshire District Council Gernon Road, LetchworthHerts SG6 3JF

You can email us [email protected] orcall our team on 01462 474 355.Please visit our website www.north-herts.gov.uk for more information andto download application forms andother useful information.

45

Groundworks & Civil Engineering- Groundworks - Drainage - Bulk Excavation - Concrete Works - External Works & Pavings

Building & Construction- General Building - New Builds - Brickwork - Extensions - Renovations

Soft Strip & Demolition- Soft Strip - Demolition - Site Clearance

Plant Hire & Labour Supply- Mini Excavators - JCB’s - Tracked Excavators - CSCS Certified Labourers - CSCS Certified

Tradesmen

Professional Services- Project Management - Estimating - Quantity Surveying - Site Engineering - Plant Hire

We offer a variety of Building & Construction services, our main services include:

www.mcgoverngroup.co.ukTel: 01727 370592 Fax: 01727 370593

12 Aubrey Avenue, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL2 1LX

Commercial �� Industrial �� ResidentialTemporary Roofs • Access • New Build

Planned Maintenance • Restoration Projects

V & S Scaffolding Services LtdScaff House, Lockhouse Industrial Estate,

Mead Lane, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 7AXTel: 01992 558464/558468 Fax: 01992 558494www.vandsscaffolding.co.uk • [email protected]

V&S Scaffolding Services Limited is an established andexperienced professional scaffolding company thatprides itself on offering a smooth, efficient service

Scaffolding Solutions:• Industrial units• Commercial offices• Retail buildings• Residential buildings• Planned maintenance• Restoration projects• New build• Public buildings and structures• Listed buildings• Housing projects• Demolition and dangerousstructures

• International airports• Mainline and undergroundstations

Scaffolding Services:• Temporary roof systems• System staircases• Edge protection and handrails• Hoist and lifting solutions• Scaffold scheduling for projects• In-House design service• Scaffold branding• Scaffolding erection anddismantling

• 24 hour emergency call out• Scafftag inspection service• All operatives trained to NASCSG4:05 working at heightregulations and current TG20:08guidance notes

46

M1

Redbourn

HARPENDEN

Wheathampstead

ColneyHeath

ST ALBANS

LondonColney

ChiswellGreen

Sandridge

ColneyStreetBricket

Wood

ParkStreet

M1

M10

M25

A1(M)

A5183

A1081

A4147

A405

A5183

A1081A414

A4057

Junction9

Junction8

Junction7

Junction6a/21 Junction

21a

Junction6

Junction22

Junction1

Smallford

R. Ver

R. Lea

N

0 2 miles


47

St Albans is situated in the south ofHertfordshire and has a population ofapproximately 128,000. It is only 20miles from London and with the M1,M25 and A1(M) all providing directaccess for motorists, many residentscommute to the capital or to adjoiningtowns. Named after the first Christianmartyr in Britain, Alban, who wasexecuted outside the Roman town ofVerulamium about A.D.209, St Albanshas developed around the magnificentAbbey and Cathedral Church of StAlban – the second longest church inEngland – which stands on a hill and isclearly visible from all approach roads

to the city. Several towns and villagesmake up the rural part of the district, thelargest being Harpenden (pop. 28,000)with London Colney (pop. 9,000),Sandridge (pop. 8,600), Redbourn(pop. 5,000), Colney Heath (pop. 4,500)and Wheathampstead.

Building Control The Building Control section is part ofthe Planning & Building Controldepartment and is located in the CivicCentre in St Albans. A team of fiveofficers and a technical assistantprovide a full Building Control servicethroughout the district.

AvailabilityThe Building Control Officers can becontacted by telephone from 8.00am to10.00am and 3.15pm to 5.15pm (Mon -Thurs), 3.15pm to 4.45pm (Friday).Appointments can be made subject toprior arrangement. Inspections will becarried out the same day if requests arereceived before 9.30am on that day.Officers have mobile telephones andcan be contacted at all times from theoffice in case a problem arises.

St Albans City andDistrict Council

Traditional house

48

ICRPlumbing & Heating

Specialists in plumbing, heating, electrical and solar hot water systems for both domestic and commercial use.

The Plumbing & Heating Specialists

01763 [email protected]

ICR understands that no two jobs are the same and different clients and properties have particular requirements. With over 30 years experience, oldand new methods can be proposed.

� Product Guarantees� Building Regs compliant� ISO 9002 assured

� Established 30 years� Free no-obligation quotations� Friendly, efficient service

WRASwww.icrumbold.co.uk

10a The Moor, Melbourn, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 6ED LPG

49

The section also deals with dangerousstructures and demolit ions. Withrespect to dangerous structures, a 24hour emergency standby service is inoperation giving a speedy response inany eventuality.

ContactsTelephone: St Albans (01727) 866100Direct Line: (01727) 819289 Fax: (01727) 845658

St Albans District Council,Planning & Building Control,District Council Offices,Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire,AL1 3JE

Building Control Manager:

Jeremy Saxton

Building Control Officers:

Martin Ganderton

James Barnard

Tony Hincks

Assistant Building Control Officers:

Michael Keown

Technical Assistants:

Emily Walker

Lesley Unwin

Frances Jordan

Verulamium Park, St Albans Research building

Rothamsted Research Centre Listed building

50

A1(M)

A1(M)

Junction7

Junction8

A602

A1072

A155

A1072

A602

A602

Old Town

SymondsGreen

Pin Green

St Nicholas

Chells

Wellfield

Shephall

BedwellTownCentre

RETAILPARKGUNNELSGUNNELSGUNNELS

WOODWOODWOODIND. ESTIND. ESTIND. EST

PINE GREENINDUSTRIAL

AREA

Broadwater

N

0 1/2 mile


51

The town has attracted a wide variety ofmanufacturing and service industriesspecialising in high technology andsupport services as a result of itsstrategic location and skilled workforce.Several major organisations areresident in the town, includingGlaxoSmithKline, MBDA, EADS Astriumand the Institute of Electrical Engineers.Within all that is new, the Old Town stillretains its separate identity and oldeworlde character with its bustling HighStreet and annual Charter Fair, cleverlyintegrated with the new town areas.

Building ControlThe Building Control Group provides aprofessional service to all partiesinvolved in developing buildings andforms part of the Development TeamApproach within the Department ofEnvironmental Services. It thereforeprovides an ideal first point of contactbetween customers and other services

of the Council. Stevenage’s BuildingControl Surveyors are familiar with thewide variety of construction techniques,both traditional and modern, resultingfrom the broad spectrum of buildingand architectural styles within the town.From the smallest domestic extensionto large industrial estates, shoppingmalls and research laboratorycampuses, the Building Control Groupis experienced in all types of buildingwork and provides a customer focusedservice. The Group takes the view thatknowledge is to be shared. It is willingto provide advice in respect of groundconditions locally, general buildingconstruction and regulatory queries, firesafety/engineering and will lead on theDevelopment Team Approach whereappropriate, along with making thoseother essential linkages with otherDepartments within StevenageBorough Council and beyond. Weunderstand our client’s businessobjectives and, to assist yourprocesses, central to our servicedelivery are: pre-applicationconsultations on major projects;prompt turn-around of formalapplications, within 15 working days;determination of all applications withinthe statutory period; same day siteinspections if notified before 10.30am;free completion certificates within sevendays of satisfactory completion. Otheractivit ies in which the business

Stevenage Borough Council

New development in Stevenage

Stevenage town centre

52

F. E. DunkCarpentry & Joinery

Supplier of quality joinery services and products tocommercial and private customers

13 Furzen Crescent, Hatfield, Herts AL10 9QNWorkshop: 01707 665904 Mobile: 07980 596454

Web: www.fedunk.co.uk

Purpose Made Windows,Doors, Staircases etc.• Doors• Windows• Box SashFrames/Renovations

• Timber Surrounds forCrittal Window Frames

• Staircases• Conservatories• Porches• Timber Structures• Period MouldingsContact me now for aquote or to discuss yourrequirements

We have a small operation, specialising mainlyin providing a range of building services todomestic properties. We are located inEnfield, North London and operate throughoutthe surrounding areas, including:

� Barnet � Enfield � Potters Bar � Cheshunt� Hertford � Waltham Abbey � Walthamstow

• Alterations • Maintenance • Extensions• Structural Repairs

• Conservatories/Orangeries• Garage Conversions • New Builds

• Pointing/Brickwork • Painting - both Internal& External • Wet Rooms • Patios

• Window Replacement • Garden Sheds• Fencing & Paths

WGH BuildingProfessional personal service

29 Goat Lane, Enfield EN1 4TZMobile: 07881 944077

www.wghbuilding.com

supplies (SOUTHERN) LTD

HEATINGPLUMBING

SANITARYWARE MERCHANTS

Unit 2Leeside Works

Lawrence AvenueStanstead Abbotts

SG12 8DL

Tel: 01920 871411Fax: 01920 877301Email: [email protected]

New Roofs • Tiling • Slating• Repairs • 3 Layer Felt• Leadwork • Guttering

We are a family run business. We offerfree estimates and advice. Specialists inSlate, Tile, Leadwork and Flat roofs.

Public liability cover.

We offer Insurance backed guarantees onall new works

Over 20 years’ experience.

4 Walnut Tree Close, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 8NBTel/Fax: 01992 465680 • Mobile: 07973 249996


53

orientated environment involves usinclude: active participation in theLABC Services Partner ApplicationScheme (PAS) and LANTAC scheme;dangerous structures; demolitions;Safety at Sports Grounds;Development Team Approach;Development Control liaison and sitecompliance; Houses in MultipleOccupation; structural and buildingsurveys and the ‘Access Officer’ role.

AvailabilityOur Building Control Surveyors arenormally available between 8.30 and10.30am and between 3.30 and5.00pm. Surveyors carry mobilephones so if you need to speak withthem urgently please contact 01438242264 and our Technical supportGroup will arrange for a surveyor tocontact you promptly. Outside officehours there is an answerphone toenable you to leave a message andyou will be contacted early on the nextworking day. The Building ControlGroup is aware that persons withdisabilities may have difficulty visitingthe Council offices and arrangementscan be made for a surveyor to makehome visits to discuss a proposedproject before formal submission. Toassist your development programmewe will respond to site inspectionrequests on the same day providedthat the request has been received by10.30am and we are able to provideout-of-hours site inspections on majorprojects by prior arrangement.

Electronic WorkingStevenage Building Control nowoperates fully electronically and canoffer you the ability to receive yourBuilding Regulations applicationelectronically through the Submit-aplan.com portal. Should you wishto use this service and benefit fromthe greater speed and reduced costsit offers you please contactour Technical Support Group on 01438242264

ContactsBuilding Control Manager Steve Polfreman 01438 242256

Principal Building Control Surveyor(South) Bryan Rance 01438 242279

Principal Building Control Surveyor(North) Mark Ringshall 01438 242438

Senior Building Control Surveyor DavidEggleton 01438 242265

Assistant Building Control SurveyorAmber Kendellen 01438 242833

Assistant Building Control SurveyorPhilip Marsh 01438 242832

Building Control Technical SupportGroup 01438 242264

The Building Control and Planningreception is within the main StevenageBorough Council offices adjacent tothe bus station and near the railwaystation and is fully accessible forpersons with disabilities.

Building Control, Stevenage Borough Council,Daneshill House, Danestrete, Stevenage, Herts SG1 1HN Phone: 01438 242264 Fax: 01438 242922 Email:[email protected]

Residential development in Stevenage

54

N


M1

A404

M25

M25A412 A404

A4145

A4125

A4008

A412

A411

A41

Bedmond

ABBOTSLANGLEY

Junction6

A405Junction

20

Sarratt

ChandlersCross

Junction19

Loudwater

Junction18

CHORLEYWOOD

RICKMANSWORTHRICKMANSWORTHRICKMANSWORTHJunction17

MapleCross

WestHyde

R. Colne

CroxleyGreen

EastburySouthOxhey

OxheyHall

R. Colne

R. Gad

e

55

The Three Rivers area is located inSouth West Hertfordshire and offers anideal mixture of beautiful countryside,excellent leisure facil i t ies, goodcommunications, historical buildings,purpose built offices and well situatedparks. Three Rivers District Council wasestablished in 1974 by combining theformer urban districts of Rickmansworthand Chorleywood with part of the ruraldistrict of Watford. The main offices arebased in Rickmansworth in ThreeRivers House, which was opened inMay 1991. In March 2000 the firstCustomer Service Centre, unlike anyknown in the country, was launched.The largest Council chamber is namedafter William Penn - Penn Chamber,and the other two meeting rooms afterJohn Dickinson and Feargus O’Connor.The Council provides a wide range ofservices to the people and businessesin the surrounding communities ofChorleywood, Abbots Langley, SouthOxhey, Sarratt, Moor Park and MapleCross. The district has large areas ofattractive open countryside, much ofwhich is covered by the Green Beltlegislation. In Three Rivers it is notuncommon to travel along leafy lanessurrounded by areas of outstandingnatural beauty yet only minutes awayfrom Britain’s busiest motorway, theM25. Water is an important element ofThree Rivers, with the local riversChess, Gade and Colne giving the

district its name. The Grand UnionCanal runs through the district andnearby the Council provides a waterpark called the Aquadrome, whichprovides a unique mixture of openspace, walks, sailing and watersports.Other leisure facil i t ies in the areainclude Watersmeet, a multi-purposeentertainment centre; swimming pools;sports pitches; golf courses; andabundant parks and playing fields.William Penn Leisure Centre opened inJuly 1996. Being on the outer fringes ofLondon, communications in the areaare very good with road and rail links toLondon and elsewhere, including theM1, M25, the West Coast main line andthe Metropolitan Line. In addition, theproposed East-West CrossRail willserve Chorleywood, Rickmansworthand Moor Park en route to CentralLondon and beyond. The Croxley Linkis proposed to be constructed by 2018and will provide direct links into CentralWatford and a junction station forconnection to the main line. Heathrowand Luton airports are in closeproximity to the district.

Building ControlThe Building Control section is situatedin the Leisure and EnvironmentDepartment at Three Rivers House. Ateam of seven off icers withadministrative support is responsiblefor the enforcement of the BuildingRegulations. They deal with Full Plans /Regularisation applications and

Three RiversDistrict Council

FS 30869

Three Rivers House

56

Building Notices submitted, whichcover building work on all types ofbuildings from small domesticextensions to large commercial andindustrial developments. BuildingControl also exercise control over suchmatters as dangerous structures andexcavations; ruinous and dilapidatedsites; demolition works and means ofescape in case of f ire in certainbuildings. For operational purposesthe district is divided into twogeographical divisions withexperienced Building ControlSurveyors assigned to each. Thesurveyors concerned are responsiblefor the checking of applications,subsequent site inspections and theinstitution of any enforcementproceedings necessary to ensuredefective building works are remedied.All Building Control staff are requiredto study for degree level professionalqualifications, leading to corporatemembership of the RICS, and theCouncil is accredited with IIP status.The Council has adopted a PolicyDocument, which sets out the level ofservice to be provided, PerformanceIndicators have been introduced toenable quality objectives to bemonitored and a Quality System

accredited by BSI under BS EN ISO9001:2000 was introduced on 1stAugust 1994. Building Controlreceived a Charter Mark award in1995, 1998, 2001 and 2004.

AvailabilityThe Building Control Officers cannormally be contacted between8.30am and 10.30am from Monday toFriday by telephone. Appointmentscan usually be arranged for othertimes during the day subject to priorarrangement. The inspectorate willrespond to both written or, whereappropriate, telephone notices andwhen such notice is received before10.00am will usually visit the sameday. To facilitate this prompt service atelephone Hotline (01923) 727136 isavailable, to log requests forinspections, between 3.00pm and10.00am.

Ancillary Services (a) Pre-Application Consultancy

(b) Electronic Plans submissionfacilities

(c) We welcome partnerships fromboth the private and publicsectors.

Basing House, Rickmansworth. A Grade II listed building

57

Contacts Three Rivers District Council, Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 1RL

Inspection Hotline 01923 727136

Building Control Fax 01923 727137

Chief Building Control Surveyor Clive Fuller 01923 727125 Email: [email protected]

North Area Abbots Langley, Bedmond, Chandlers X, Chipperfield,Chorleywood, Croxley Green,Flaunden, Garston, Heronsgate,Hunton Bridge, Kings Langley,Leavesden, Pimlico and Sarratt

Peter Moore 01923 727131 Principal Building Control Surveyor Email:[email protected]

Mike Holdbrook 01923 727131 Senior Building Control Surveyor Email:[email protected]

South Area Carpenders Park, Maple X, Mill End,Moor Park, Northwood,Rickmansworth, South Oxley andWatford (part)

James White 01923 727128 Principal Building Control Surveyor Email: [email protected]

Amy Nicholls 01923 727129 Building Control Surveyor Email:[email protected]

Shawn McFarlane 01923 727138Building Control Surveying Technician Email:[email protected]

Administration 01923 727130Linda Bishop

58

M25

A405Woodside

Kingswood

Garston

Meriden

NorthWatford

WestWatford

Oxhey

WatfordHeath

CassioburyPark

Holywell

R. GadeGrand Union

Canal

R. Colne

M1

A405 A412

A41

A412

A41

A411

A412

A4145

A4125

A4008

A4008

A411

From Junction 19

Junction5

M1 LINK

Watford Tunnels

N

0 1 mile© Crown copyright 397970 / Ten Alps Publishing

59

The borough of Watford, with an area ofapproximately 2,000 hectares (5,000acres) is geographically one of thesmallest of all the 296 Councils inEngland, yet has a population ofapproximately 83,000. Situated in thesouth-west of Hertfordshire, Watfordhas location advantages due to itsexcellent communication links. The M1and the London to Glasgow railwaypass through the Borough and LondonEuston may be reached in 20 minutesby train. Via the M25 there is easyaccess to the major airports ofHeathrow, Gatwick, Stansted andLuton. These key links have madeWatford attractive to industry andcommerce and a number ofinternational and national companieshave established headquarters in theborough. The town centre is classifiedas a major sub-regional shoppingcentre, with an estimated population inexcess of one million people beingwithin 20 minutes driving-time ofWatford. The Harlequin Centre, a two-storey prestigious shopping mall, hasfurther enhanced the quality of thetown’s shopping facilities. As well asbeing a great place to shop, the towncentre has the Palace Theatre, thePump House Arts Centre and WatfordMuseum, offering a variety ofentertainment and interest. For theactive, Watford Leisure Centre in thenorth of the borough, several private

fitness clubs in the town centre, as wellas the brand new Central swimmingbaths offer a choice of venues for themajority of sports and leisure activities.The Café Quarter of the High Street isproving to be one of the most popularrestaurant and nightclub areas in theSouth East of England – rivalling theWest End! Although mainly urban incharacter, the borough has a number ofparks and open spaces. The mostnotable of these parks is CassioburyPark through which run both the RiverGade and the Grand Union Canal.

Building ControlThe Building Control section of WatfordCouncil forms part of the Planning &Development Department, based at theTown Hall. The section currently has astaff of seven, including five BuildingControl Surveyors with structuralengineering advice provided to thesection by consultant structuralengineers. Building Control andDevelopment Control are headed bythe Development Manager ensuringclose contact with planning officers andpursuance of the ‘Development Team

Watford BoroughCouncil

Listed buildings in Salters Gardens

60

House BuildingExtensions and Renovations

CarpentryPlumbing

Timber framed buildingsPaving and landscaping

Domestic and commercial work undertakenCall James for a no obligation quote

Tel: 01992 552000Mob: 07970 696944

email: [email protected] 0800 707 6007

www.rcm-building.co.uk

RCM SERVICESNEW BUILD & RESTORATION

CONVERSIONSEXTENSIONS

DRAINAGE/ROOFINGRENOVATIONS

PLUMBING/HEATINGELECTRICAL WORKSCARPENTRY/LOCKS

PLASTERING/DECORATING

N London Construction.co.uk.ltd

Builders to Private and Public Sector Clients

Freefone 0800 38 74 54

Extensions, Loft ConversionsNew Build Traditional

Houses, Refurbishments

Design and Build ProjectManagers

5A rear of 5 Aylands Road, Enfield,Middx EN3 6PW

For all your building requirements from a fitted kitchen toa new extension to your home look no further than RDCDevelopments.

We cater for all your building requirements fromconception to completion. We maintain a professionaland dedicated service ensuring a high level ofworkmanship from qualified tradesmen at all times.

• Renovations• Extensions• Loft Conversions• Fitted Kitchens• Fitted Bathrooms• Electrics• Plumbing and Heating• Plastering/Coving• Driveways/PatiosFor all your building requirements come toRDC DevelopmentsCall on 01582 580350 or 07860 899296

email: [email protected]

Professional, Reliable and Efficient

(inc. Ray Dunn Building Services)

RDC Developments

61

Approach’. Consultation with the FireAuthority is also carried out promptlyand effectively at regular weeklymeetings. The Building Control sectionseeks to provide a helpful andprofessional service. Advice andassistance will be given prior to theformal submission of plans, particularlyin respect of means of escape in caseof fire and access requirements underPart M. Watford Building Controlsupports the Partner Authority Scheme,offering a prompt supportive service toboth our and other Councils’ Partners.Details of this initiative can be obtainedby contacting the Head of BuildingControl or checking out the LocalAuthority Building Control website(www.labc.uk.com). We are alsoworking closely with Three RiversDistrict Council Building Control with aview to providing a greater resource,servicing the demanding workload ofmodern day construction. Theavailability of our extensive current andarchived property records will oftenprovide useful details of groundconditions, drainage arrangements etc.Included in the remit for WatfordBuilding Control is the processingof Demolition Notices and dealing

with Dangerous Structures – on a24/7 basis.

Inspection of Work on Site Forty eight hours notice of work to beinspected should preferably be given,however inspections will be made onthe same working day, if notified before10.00am. Surveyors aim to be asflexible as possible in respect of beingon site at times that suit our customers.

Availability Additional information may be obtainedfrom the Building Control Section.Information and assistance may beobtained without prior appointment atthe Customer Service Centre at theTown Hall from 8.45 to 10.30am andfrom 4.00 to 5.15pm (Monday toFriday). If this is not convenient,alternative times may be arrangedby appointment.

Contacts To contact the Building Control section,the address is:

Building Control. The Town Hall. Watford. Herts WD17 3EX Telephone: 01923 278303 Fax: 01923 278304 Email address:[email protected]

Visit the Council’s website atwww.watford.gov.uk to downloadapplication forms, fee schedules andguidance notes.

Town centre office development

The Harlequinshopping centre

62

A1(M)

WoolmerGreen

WELWYN Digswell

Oaklands

WELWYNGARDEN CITY

HATFIELD

AyotSt Peter

AyotSt Lawrence

Stanborough

WelhamGreen

BrookmansPark

Essendon

CuffleyNorthaw

LittleHeath

NewgateStreet

A1(M)

M25

A1000

A6129

A1000

A414

A1001

A1057

A414A1001

A1000

Tunn

el

Junction3

Junction2

Junction4

Junction6

R. Lea N


63

Welwyn Hatfield borough covers anarea of 50 square miles within centralHertfordshire and has a population ofabout 94,000. The borough retains asurprisingly rural atmosphere despiteits closeness to London and is a highlysuccessful commercial and industrialcentre. It is unique in containing twonew towns, Welwyn Garden City andHatfield. In addition the boroughencompasses the smaller communitiesof Little Heath, Cuffley, BrookmansPark, Welham Green, Lemsford,Welwyn and Woolmer Green. Theborough’s main commercial centres arein Welwyn Garden City and Hatfieldalthough there are neighbourhood andvil lage centres serving more localneeds. Major developments beingcarried out at this time include theredevelopment of the British Aerospacesite at Hatfield, with warehouse andoperations buildings for majorbusinesses, and development work forthe University of Hertfordshire at theirHatfield campus.

Building Control The Building Control section is abusiness unit of the Council’s Strategyand Development Directorate and partof the Planning Division. Themanagement of the section is carriedout by the Building Control Manager.The department is staffed by officerswith considerable technical experiencein the construction industry. Most of

them have been with the Authority formany years and are well acquaintedwith local conditions and knowledgeuseful to builders and prospectivedevelopers. All Full Plans applicationsunder the Building Regulations aredealt with within the statutory periodand in many cases a response is madewithin two weeks of depositing theplans. Every effort is made by the staffto assist applicants with theirsubmissions and to deal with anymatters arising as quickly as possiblethereby enabling the application toproceed to a speedy conclusion. Inaddition to a plan vetting andinspection service the department isalso responsible for dealing withNotices required in advance ofdemolition works together with takingaction to protect the public safety in theevent of buildings or structuresbecoming dangerous.

Availability The Building Control department islocated in the main Council Offices atThe Campus, Welwyn Garden City andis open to the public between 8.45amand 5.15pm Mondays to Thursdays and8.45am to 4.45pm on Fridays. Normallyoff icers are available to answertechnical queries between 8.45am and10.30am and after 3.30pm. Althoughthe statutory notice period applies to allrequests for inspections, under normalcircumstances, local availability meansthat requests for visits made to the

Welwyn HatfieldBorough Council The Council offices

64

� EXTENSIONS

� LOFT CONVERSIONS

� COMPLETE BUILDINGSERVICE PROVIDED

21 Hampden CrescentCheshunt

Waltham CrossHertfordshire

Tel: 01992 410 238

DCSConstruction Ltd

WOODSTOCK JOINERY• Domestic

& Commercial

• Staircases & Doors• Box, Sash &

Casement Windows

• Softwood & Hardwood

• Made To MeasureFull Fitting ServiceAvailable

• All Types of Joinery Undertaken

T: 01992 769 832M: 07525 847 240Email: [email protected]

Unit 1, Britannia House, Monro Industrial Estate, Station Approach,

Waltham Cross, Herts EN8 7LX

DLMaintenance

22 Saffron CloseHoddesdon

Waltham CrossHertfordshire EN8 7LX


Tel: 01992 769832

CARPENTERS & JOINERS

65

office before 10.30am can be carriedout the same day. The Council is amember of The Local Authority NationalType Approval Consortium and canaccept applications under the NationalType Approval Scheme.

Contacts The telephone number for generalenquiries is 01707 357391.

For further information and guidance onany aspect of Building Control pleasecontact:

Building ControlWelwyn Hatfield Borough Council The Campus Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL8 6AE Telephone: 01707 357000 ext 2391 Fax: 01707 357255

Brocket Estate

University of Hertfordshire

Lemsford Church

Next Generation Leisure Centre

66

SAXROOFING• All Roofing

• Lead Work and Repairs

• Hertalan Rubber Roofing

18 Broughton WayAmersham HP6 6PUT: 0845 815 1919M: 07801 817666E: [email protected]

• Flat Roofing & Leadwork Specialist• 20 Years Family Run Business

• Approved Rubber Bond EPDM Installers• High Performance 3 Layer Felt

• Slating & Tiling• Full Public Liability Insurance

• Members of National Federation ofRoofing Contractors

• Insurance Backed Guarantees

BRITISHBOARD OFAGRÉMENT

ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCTS FOR CONSTRUCTION

POWELL ROOFING &LEADWORK

For an honest, reliable service Call

01442 217757Mobile: 07947 065245

www.powellroofingandleadwork.co.ukenquiries@powellroofingandleadwork.co.uk

NRPPlastering

Tel: 07506 549394Email: [email protected]

25 Shaw Close

Cheshunt

Waltham Cross

Hertfordshire

EN8 0HD

316 Cassiobury Drive, Watford WD17 3AW

Chris Mobile: 07860 424324Paul Mobile: 07917 208696

email: [email protected]

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Advertisers’ Index

ABSOLUTE BUILDING SERVICES.OBCANOTHER LEVEL CONSTRUCTION..IBCASSET CONSTRUCTION.....................6B W CONSULTANTS LTD ..................36BARRETT LANE.................................32BOB’S HOME MAINTENANCE ..........32BONNER & COOK...............................8C DAY & SON LTD .............................66CARBON FRIENDLY LIGHTING LTD ...................................28CHALLENGE PEST CONTROL........IBCCLEARPLAN PROJECT MANAGEMENT LTD.............................4CLEARVIEW DECORATING SERVICES ..........................................10COMPLETE PLUMBING & PROPERTYSERVICES ..........................................68DANKS & SON ...................................34DL MAINTENANCE ............................64DCS CONSTRUCTION LTD ...............64EDIS CONSTRUCTION ......................30ELITE CHOICE SECURITY SOLUTIONS LTD..................................1FE DUNK CARPENTRY & JOINERY ..52GRANT OGILVIE & SON ......................2GRANT WRIGHT ASSOCIATES LLP....4GREAT GARDENS .............................19H & S BUILDING SERVICES LLP.......48HAVEN DESIGNS...............................45HEWITT DAY CONSTRUCTION.......IBCHOMETREND SUPPLIES...................52I C RUMBOLD HEATING & PLUMBING LTD ..............................48J P ELECTRICAL LTD.........................34JOBSWORTH .....................................68JOHN LEAHY AND SON BUILDERS LTD.....................................2JUST WINDOWS AND DOORS..........38LADKARN CONSTRUCTION LIMITED..............................................60LAKE ASSOCIATES ...........................30

M R CARTER & SONS..........................4MAYFIELD BUILDING CONTRACTOR ...................................68MCGOVERN CONSTRUCTIONSERVICES LTD...................................45MEADOWSON LTD ..............................8MERLIN PROPERTY SERVICES LTD...................................34MILL HOUSE WINDOW WORKSHOP.......................................64MSL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE......32N LONDON LTD .................................60NETT ASSETS......................................1NRP PLASTERING .............................66PLANS 4 PLANNING ............................2POWELL ROOFING AND LEADWORK........................................66PRESTIGE PROJECTS MANAGEMENT LTD .........................IFCRCM SERVICES .................................60RDC DEVELOPMENTS ......................60REMAR CONSTRUCTION ...................8RGM ELECTRICS ...............................32S ROLFE ROOFING CONTRACTOR ...................................52SAX ROOFING ...................................66SG6 CONSTRUCTION LTD................30STERLING ENERGY SURVEYS LTD....................................34TAYLORS JOINERY..............................4THE LOFT CONVERSION COMPANY..........................................40UNICORN WINDOWS LTD...................8V & S SCAFFOLDING SERVICES LTD...................................45WATERHALL JOINERY ......................40WGH BUILDING .................................52WILSON AND SONS LTD...................68WOODSTOCK JOINERY....................64

68

Wilson andSons Ltd

Building Alterations andRestorations

T: 07767 21182201992 463159

E: [email protected]: www.wilsonandsonsltd.co.uk

CompleteComplete

Plumbing & Property ServicesLuxury Bathrooms & Kitchens fitted.

24 Hour call out for leaks & emergency.

Plumbing • Tiling • PlasteringSmall building works • RoofingPainting & Decorating to City

& Guild Standard

T: 01992 450285m: 07985 102482

28 Christian Close, Hoddesdon, Herts

TM

29 Cavan DriveSt. Albans

HertfordshireAL3 6HR

Tel: 0844 6258734

General BuildersNRWB and TrustMarkLicensed BuildersFlooring and TilingContractors, BuildingContractors, House Builders

May f i e l dBU I LD ING CONTRACTOR

JOBSWORTHBathrooms, Kitchens,Plumbing, Electrics, Tiling, Flooring,Decorating, Carpentry + any small jobs thatneed doing.

Fully Insured.

� 01279 466 44307713 947 868

AnotherLevel

Construction LtdGENERAL BUILDERSEXTENSIONSRENOVATIONSCONVERSIONSFREE ESTIMATES

Tel/Fax: 01279 505 190Mobile: 07710 099284

or 07813 219298www.anotherlevelconstruction.co.uk

HewittDayC O N S T R U C T I O N

HewittDay Construction are a local buildingcompany based in Hitchin and provide aprofessional friendly service working on

residential building projects across northHertfordshire. HewittDay Construction

undertake all aspects of general buildingwork and projects range from home

extensions to brickwork repairs and pointing.

We have a list of references available fromour satisfied clients.

Our services include:Extensions, Alterations, Conversions,

Brickwork repairs, Landscaping, Patios, Decking

FREE Quotations

Call Chris Day 07779 665721or Ashley Hewitt 07968 367838

www.hewittday.co.ukThatched Cottage, Lower Green, Ickleford, Hertfordshire, SG5 3TU

AbsoluteBuilding Services

58 Norman Road, Barton Le Clay, BedfordBedfordshire MK45 4QA

www.buildingserviceshertfordshire.co.uk

Extensions and ConversionsHome Improvements

Kitchens and BathroomsDriveways and Patios

Landscaping and Gardening

Telephone: 01582 [email protected]

Hertfordshire Building Control Handbook - · PDF fileBUILDING CONTROL HANDBOOK. 1 ... The...

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