| Description | Scope and content:
These files relate to developments and repairs of properties and buildings. Some include photographs and building plans. They include dangerous structures files.
Building Control files help us understand the built environment of Tower Hamlets. They provide information about the development of new buildings, housing schemes, places of worship, public buildings such as schools and health centres, commercial or industrial premises, and dead and temporary buildings.
The files cover a varied period of time, with some spanning 100 years. Alongside the physical geography, the files can be used to research organisations, businesses and changes in use of buildings. For example, Limehouse Town Hall was used as the National Museum of Labour History before serving as the Wapping Neighbourhood office, and 2 Approach Road was changed from a house in multiple occupation to provide a rehabilitation and convalescent home. The files reflect changes in industries within the borough. In addition, some files provide information on war damage repairs including the works carried out and their cost.
The main properties reflected in the files are:
- Industrial/commercial premises (including major extensions and alterations)
- Houses/housing developments (including major refurbishments of housing estates)
- Public houses
- Places of worship including churches, mosques and synagogues
- Public buildings, schools, health centres, hospitals and other organisations.
- Listed buildings and conservation areas
Some files contain building and architectural plans with details on both the internal and external structure and design of buildings.
The files contain documents required as part of Building and Planning works. These include but are not limited to:
- Correspondence
- Building notices
- Planning applications
- Works initial notices
- Works commencement notices
- Planning permissions
- Listed building planning permissions
- Dangerous structure notices
- Notices of irregularity
- War damage repairs
- Structural calculations
- Cost calculations
- Deposit of plans applications
- Building inspection reports
- Site inspection reports
- Works completed notices
- Works completed certificates
- Photographs
- Building plans
Glossary of terms:
Building Notice:
An application allowing work to be carried out without completion of full plans. Plans may, however, be requested.
Building Regulations:
The minimum standards for design, construction and alterations of a building.
Chief Planning Officer:
Lead planning officer at a local authority; they can sometimes be referred to as the head of planning.
Conditions:
Stipulations attached to a planning permission that controls or limits how a development is carried out.
Dangerous Structure:
Structures, buildings or parts of a building, garden walls, hoardings or fences which are a danger to the public because of their condition.
Design and Access Statement:
A document to explain the thinking behind and design principles of a planning application.
Detailed Application:
The most common type of planning application that seeks full/detailed planning permission. It should contain all information needed for the local planning authority to make a decision.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
A procedure to evaluate the impact a development can have on the environment, in order to ensure that decisions are made in full knowledge of any likely significant effects.
Fee Schedules:
A schedule of fees to be paid during the planning process.
Full Application:
An application for full planning permission with nothing reserved for later approval.
Full Plans:
An application that covers plans, specifications and if necessary structural calculations. Commercial developments can only be submitted under a Full Plan Application.
Inspection:
This is a legal requirement informing the local planning authority of when building works begin and other key stages, so that can inspection can be carried out. The inspection ensures that building works comply with the regulations.
Listed Building:
A building of architectural or historical interest that is given a grade and included on a statutory list. A building of this type requires permission for any work to be carried out because it is protected under the Planning Act.
Listed Building Consent:
This is a requirement necessary for any alterations or the demolition of a listed building.
Local Planning Authority:
The local authority authorised by law to carry out planning functions.
Mixed Use Development:
An area or site that is used for a range of purposes such as residential or community leisure uses.
Outline Application:
A general application for planning permission to establish that a development is in principle acceptable, subject to approval of detailed matters.
Outstanding Planning Permission:
Planning permission that is yet to be implemented.
Permitted Development:
Permission for minor or limited forms of development that do not require an application under the terms of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order.
Planning Obligation:
Under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act (1990), this is a legal agreement between a developer and planning authority, intended to make sure that extra works related to a development are undertaken.
Planning Permission:
The local authority is required to provide formal approval for most building developments.
Section 106 Agreement:
Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act (1990) is in effect a legal agreement between the developer and council to make sure that additional works related to the development are undertaken.
Source of Information: https://agileapplications.co.uk/blog/planning-and-building-control-glossary/ |