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Welcome to the May edition of Building Standards, the eNewsletter from Angus Council's Building Standards team.
The eNewsletters will be circulated to provide information and updates, as and when required. If you can think of something you would like included in future newsletters, please let us know.
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The regulations are changing... again!
Following review of standards and guidance in 2021, building regulations are being revised to introduce a requirement for electric vehicle charging in new buildings and those subject to ‘major renovation’.
These provisions have now been published as standard 7.2 (Electric vehicle charging) within section 7 (sustainability) of the June 2023 Technical Handbooks.
A summary note on this further update will also be made available alongside the new edition of the Handbooks.
Originally programmed for introduction at the start of April, the new standard will now apply from 5 June 2023
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Seeing double
We have worked hard over the last year to improve our work based systems for workload management and everything you submit direct through the EBuilding Standards.scot portal reaches us in the most efficient manner. In many cases your submissions will be directed straight to the applicable Officer or Technician for actioning.
Therefore, there is no need to let us know you have sent info in or provide duplicate information via email ‘just in case’. This actually causes us more work and has the potential to create duplicate tasks for our team. So please, trust the system, and if we do not respond to you within our statutory timescales please feel free to contact us at that point.
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A focus on our customers
Our first ‘revamped’ focus group of customers was held in November 2022 and we found this very beneficial to get your real, honest views on how we can improve with your needs at the heart of everything we do. If you would like to be involved in the next one planned for May email Lee at ThomL@angus.gov.uk
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Home renovation - there's an app for that
Trustmark have created an app aimed at helping homeowners to better understand what they need to know and do when having work done at home.
If you think this would be beneficial it is available to download on both android and iOS devices.
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Money, money, money
After some feedback in relation to delayed receipt of some fees we have had to tighten up on our validation process. Therefore, when an application is submitted without a fee or the fee is deferred to the client and we do not receive the fee within 21 days the application will automatically be withdrawn and will have to be submitted again.
This should result in applications being validated in an improved timescale and fees paid are easier to trace against an application, hopefully improving the experience for our customers.
Please remember, the best way to pay for an application is either directly through the EBuilding Standards.scot portal or through our online payment form. Payment via cheque or BACS should only be used where the above options are not possible and is likely to result in a delay in receiving the payment. Please also email BSProcessing@angus.go.uk in advance of any BACS payment being made so we know to trace the payment.
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‘Checking in’ with Scottish Fire & Rescue Service
We have been advised that for all consultations with the Water Planning team of Scottish Fire & Rescue, they will need to receive a standard checklist before responding. If you have not received a checklist directly from them please request one from sfrs.waterplanning@firescotland.gov.uk or email us on BSProcessing@angus.gov.uk and we will be happy to email one out to you also.
The checklist sets out the required information for consultation on Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic Buildings or Non-domestic Buildings, these being:
- 2.12 Fire and rescue service access
- 2.13 Fire and rescue service water supply
- 2.14 Fire and rescue service facilities
They have advised once the checklist and information is received, you should receive a response within 28 days.
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