Planning Permission and Building Control: Structural Engineering Guide for Home Projects

Many homeowners mix up planning permission and Building Control. They are different processes, and structural engineering is often essential for Building Regulations compliance.

This guide explains where your structural engineer fits and what to prepare for smoother approvals.

Planning Permission vs Building Control

Planning permission focuses on what you are allowed to build (use, appearance, impact).
Building Control focuses on whether it is structurally safe and regulation-compliant.

You may need one or both depending on your project.

Where Structural Engineering Is Required

Common examples:

loft conversions
rear/side extensions
load-bearing wall removal
chimney breast removal
basement conversions

In these cases, structural calculations are usually required for Building Control.

Typical Structural Documents

Your engineer may provide:

structural calculations package
beam/foundation/support details
design assumptions and compliance notes
coordination comments for architectural drawings

Submitting clear technical information upfront reduces review delays.

How to Keep Approvals Moving

Finalize architectural intent first.
Add structural engineering early.
Submit coordinated drawings and calculations.
Keep scope changes controlled after submission.
Ensure contractor follows issued structural design.

Frequent Causes of Delay

missing structural details in submission
late engineering appointment
mismatch between drawing set and calculations
unrecorded on-site changes

A coordinated team avoids these bottlenecks.

Areas We Cover

SBS supports planning and Building Control engineering across:

Explore related services:

FAQ

Do I always need planning permission for home alterations?

Not always. Some works may fall under permitted development, but Building Control requirements can still apply.

Is Building Control where structural calculations are usually checked?

Yes. Structural calculations are typically reviewed as part of Building Regulations compliance.

Should architectural drawings and structural calculations be submitted together?

In most projects, yes. Coordinated submissions reduce review queries and approval delays.

Need Structural Engineering for Your Submission?

SBS Structural and Architectural Design provides practical structural design packages for residential approvals and compliant construction.

To discuss your project:

call +44 7401 650 600
email sbs.structures@gmail.com
visit SBS Structural and Architectural Design

Planning Permission and Building Control: Structural Engineering Guide for Home Projects