What Does Statutory Approvals Mean In Construction?
What Does Statutory Approvals Mean In Construction?
Statutory approvals in construction refer to the permissions, consents, licenses, and other approvals required by applicable laws or regulations for a building project to proceed.
These may include planning permission, building regulations approval, listed building consent, outline planning permission, product approval, project approval, government approval, and other statutory approvals.
Building regulations are a set of government-approved documents that provide technical guidance on all types of construction work.
In construction contracts, the risk of obtaining statutory approvals typically falls on the employer. The FIDIC Red Book states that the employer’s obligation to obtain such statutory approvals is absolute. However, exceptions may be made depending on the specific contract provisions.
Contractors may seek to amend a contract to ensure an absolute obligation on the employer to obtain all necessary statutory approvals.
Building Regulations Approval
Building Regulations aim to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of individuals in and around buildings, while also promoting fuel and power conservation. To construct, extend, or significantly alter a building, including refurbishment, one must obtain approval from the local City or District Council.
This approval process includes the installation, expansion or replacement of equipment related to sanitation, drainage, and fixed heating appliances (excluding electrical appliances).
Additionally, the Building Regulations necessitate the installation of insulation and energy-saving controls for space and water heating systems.
Any alteration in the intended use of a pre-existing building such as converting a non-residential building into a dwelling, requires approval as well.
Obtaining Building Regulations approval guarantees that construction projects adhere to essential safety and energy-saving standards, and ensures the health and safety of the occupants.
What Is The Purpose Of Statutory Approvals In Construction?
The purpose of statutory approvals in construction is to ensure that all necessary regulatory and statutory project approvals are obtained in a timely manner to support engineering activities.
These approvals can include planning permission, building regulations approval, listed building consent, outline planning permission, and other statutory requirements such as approval of conditions on a planning permission.
Building regulations approval is the main statutory approval required for a building project and can be sought from either the local authority or an approved inspector.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government provides general guidance on how to comply with the building regulations through a series of approved documents.
Additionally, associations may require various statutory agreements when undertaking scheme development for social housing provision depending on the type of proposals.
Building Regulations are a set of Government approved documents giving technical guidance on all types of construction work, while Statutory Approvals can also refer to any and all approvals required from Qatari Ministries, the Authority, government agencies or other entities.
What Are The Common Statutory Approvals In Construction
Common statutory approvals in construction include Building Regulations, permits, licenses, authorizations, consents and clearances from government, Height Clearance Certificates from Airports, structural safety, fire safety, resistance to contaminants and moisture, toxic substances and third-party permissions, consents and approvals from authorities (“Statutory Approvals”).
