Sometimes work is carried without a Building Regulations application. This could lead to enforcement action being taken and could prejudice a future sale of the property.
Local Authorities can take enforcement action leading to a fine of up to £2000 and a further fine of up to £50 a day for each day that the offence continues. Costs may also be awarded to the Local Authority.
Enforcement action is not set in motion without giving the person or body responsible a reasonable opportunity to submit an application and to arrange for the necessary inspections of the works. However, if our correspondence and guidance is ignored, vigorous enforcement action may be pursued. The London Borough of Waltham Forest has pursued successful enforcement action on several occasions in recent years.
There is a procedure where a retrospective application may be made for unauthorised building works carried out since 1985. An application for a Regularisation Certificate may be submitted with the appropriate fee.
The submission of an application does not guarantee that a certificate will be issued. Parts of the works may need to be opened up and inspected to determine if they are adequate and remedial works may be required before a certificate can be issued.
This information was correct at the time of writing, February 2007.
Contact us
Building Control
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
London E17 4JF
Tel 020 8496 3000
Email building.control@walthamforest.gov.uk
