All the usual procedures apply when building a mezzanine floor, when it comes to building regulations we will take care of this as part of the project install to ensure that the build is compliant with current building regulations, quality standards and best practise guidance – all floor plans will be submitted to the Local Authority by us.

We are required to comply with all Local Authority Building Regulations in order for the installation to meet all current standards required by the relevant governing body, the regulations cover all aspects of construction, including foundations, damp proofing, the overall stability of the building, insulation, ventilation, heating, fire protection and means of escape in case of fire. They also ensure that adequate facilities for people with disabilities are provided in certain types of building.

We will cover your fire certification and speak with the local Fire Officer to ensure the build is fully compliant with this area of the Building Regs.

What If We Don’t Get Building Regulations?

If building control procedures are not adhered to and are not compliant with current legislation you will have contravened the regulations and you will face enforcement notices and prosecution:

‘ A local authority has a general duty to enforce the building regulations in its area and will seek to do so by informal means wherever possible. If informal enforcement does not achieve compliance with the regulations the local authority has two formal enforcement powers which it may use in appropriate cases.’*

What Can Happen Without Building Regulation Approval:

1) Prosecution is possible up to two years after completion of non-compliant work
2) An enforcement notice on the building owner requiring alteration or removal of work which contravenes the regulations (section 36 of the 1984 Act). If the owner does not comply with the notice the local authority has the power to undertake the work itself and recover the costs of doing so from the owner.

Because we handle communications and plan submission to the Local Authority we will work with the approved inspector on your project – their job is to ensure regulations are complied with throughout the installation/build, this means that a Building Inspector will visit your property during specific phases of the build and will sign the work off once approved. Building Inspectors do not hold any formal enforcement powers if a situation arises whereby the inspector is concerned about compliance they can and will cancel the initial notice and responsibility will be passed back to the local authority.

Do I need to get planning permission for a mezzanine floor?

The UK Government has been trying to control the expansion of retail floor space, mainly in out-of-town developments, a new legislation has been added to existing legislation stating that if your mezzanine installation is above 200m² planning permission will be required. It is permitted, however, to add several mezzanine floors, each just below the 200m² limit without requiring planning consent.

*https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200187/your_responsibilities/38/building_regulations/3