Do I need to tell the council about any home electrical works?

gazza — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 23:00:00 +0000

gazza Thu, 13/09/2012

Normally its not an issue as the trades person in question whether a builder or electrician will notify the relevant authorities accordingly. Its one less thing for you to worry about,.

This is another advantage to using a 'competent person' to carry out your electrical work. They will be registered on a competent persons scheme which means they will inform your local councils building control department of all relevant work carried out. It is not always necessary to have planning permission for certain types of works – this includes repairs, maintenance and replacement (like for like) works, extra sockets, lighting points or alterations to existing circuits (with the exception of kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors)

You may be thinking about doing the work yourself if no Part P planning permission is required but consider this first:

If you are not confident in carrying out the work you could leave your home electrics in an unsafe condition

All work must be carried out to IET Wiring Regulations – unsure what these are? Consult your local qualified electrician!

There will be no record of the work being done

* There will be no tests to check the work is safe before use (just because something works doesn't mean its safe)

Part P Planning permission aside though, this is not the only reason to use a competent person to carry out electrical work in your home or workplace:

They are qualified to deal with all the IET wiring regulations and as 'competent persons' will be Part P registered and registered with a Part P scheme which will enable them to issue you with a certificate of compliance for all works done.

The works will be insurance backed and you will have access to a complaints procedure.

Peace of mind that the work is safe and complies with the electrical safety standards BS7671

All work is tested to ensure its safe

You can get more information about all aspects of planning permission, building regulations and competent persons by:

Contacting the building control department at your local council authority

Download a free explanatory booklet on the building regulations at http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/building…

Checking the competent persons register: competentperson.co.uk/

News Categories

Part P, competent person, Exclusive Industry News