Local Authority Building Warrant fees increase.

Council fees to rise in April

In April this year, Scotland will see an increase in building warrant fees, impacting property owners and developers across the country. This change has sparked discussions and concerns within the construction industry, as the cost of obtaining building warrants has risen significantly. The decision to raise these fees has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing frustration over the additional financial burden it places on projects, while others acknowledge the need for funding to support regulatory processes.

For property owners and developers, the increase in building warrant fees means allocating more resources to cover the additional costs associated with obtaining approval for construction projects. This could potentially lead to delays in project timelines and increased overall project expenses. The rise in fees may also deter some from pursuing new developments or renovations, impacting the growth and development of the construction sector in Scotland.

The Scottish government has justified the fee increase as necessary to ensure that the building standards system is adequately funded to maintain high-quality construction practices and uphold safety standards. By generating additional revenue through building warrant fees, the government aims to invest in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the regulatory process, ultimately benefiting the industry and the public.

However, you can argue that the increase in fees puts strain on an already challenging economic environment, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasize the importance of striking a balance between funding regulatory processes and supporting the growth of the construction industry without imposing excessive financial burdens on stakeholders.

As the impact of the building warrant fee increase continues; stakeholders in the construction industry are urged to adapt to these changes and explore innovative solutions to mitigate the challenges posed by the rising costs. Collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and the public will be crucial in navigating this transition and ensuring that construction projects in Scotland continue to meet high standards of quality and safety.

Let us know what your thoughts are regarding the increase fees.

Who’s responsible for the completion

What is a completion certificate?

When a building warrant has been approved and the works have been completed, then a completion certificate application should be applied for by the relevant person. The completion certificate is to confirm that what has been constructed, demolished or converted was carried out as per the approved building warrant.

Who's responsible for submitting a completion certificate?

The relevant person must submit the completion certificate, which is either the owner, tenant or developer, however typically the Architect is left to do this for the client, even though it is not their responsibility. 

Many people think that the Architect is responsible for the completion certificate, however as the relevant person you are responsible for making sure the work is completed as per the approved building warrant.

What is required for a completion certificate?

Information that is typically required for completion is any electrical, gas or truss certificates. The local authority will also normally ask for photographs of insulation, steelwork, foundations etc if the contractor/client has not informed them at the stages set out in the CCNP (Construction Compliance Notification Plan).

 

The Local Authority must accept a Completion Certificate if, after making reasonable inquiries, they are satisfied that the work or conversion meets the relevant Building Warrant and building regulations. If the work or conversion does not meet the building regulations, or is not carried out in line with the Building Warrant, the Local Authority will reject the Completion Certificate, which means you need to provide them the evidence they have requested.

If you want to find out more then the below link is a pdf document explaining who is responsible and what is required for a completion certificate.

https://www.edevelopment.scot/eDevelopmentClient/StaticFiles/eDevelopment-eBStds_Form_Help_Guides-Completion_Certificate.pdf

Why do Architect submit different plans and applications?

You might wonder why architects need to go through two separate processes – planning permission and building warrant – when it comes to constructing a new building or making significant changes to an existing one. Let's dive into it with a positive outlook! 🤩

🔍 Planning permission is the first step in the architectural journey. It focuses on the aesthetics, design, and impact a proposed project will have on its surroundings. 

🏚️ Building warrant applications typically come into play once the planning permission is granted if planning was required. This process focuses on the technical aspects of the project, such as compliance with building regulations and structural integrity. It ensures that the proposed design is feasible and meets all the necessary standards. 🏗️📐

By separating these two processes, architects can streamline the overall construction process. It allows them to refine the design based on planning feedback before delving into the technical aspects. This way, they can create buildings that not only look great but are also safe, functional, and sustainable.

Both can be submitted at the same time, however there is a risk that you can obtain a building warrant without being allowed to actually build it if planning permission is refused.