BANES council has a department which handles all aspects of planning permission, building control and listed building consent. The department is based in Trim street, and you can drop in for an informal chat about any proposed plans for building work you may have. There is information available in booklets and on their website which explains whether planning or building regulations apply, and what the procedure is. If you live in a tree conservation area (and much of Bath is), then you will also require their permission for any pruning or removal of trees if their trunk is wider than your wrist.

Building Regulations 

These have become more strict and cover a wider range of building work, including rewiring. Buildings must  now be ventilated, energy efficient, safe, quiet, hygenic and use approved materials. Qualifications are required for certain types of work, such as electrical or gas installations.

These are separate from planning permission and apply to all types of building work in your property. Before work starts, you must submit an application form, a description of the proposed works and the appropriate fee to the council Building Control department (also in Trim Street). You can download an application form and read more about the procedure on the BANES council website - Building Control department

At various stages of the work, your builder will arrange with the building inspectors to schedule their visits. This must be done at the right times, so that the inspector can verify the correct depth of trench or materials used in the construction. When the work is complete, ensure you obtain a building completion certificate and retain this for when you sell your property.