Plymouth City Council's flexible working policy and the actions taken internally helps to minimise the risk of the virus being spread.
This means that Plymouth Building Control is in a good position to carry on providing the statutory function during this challenging and unpredictable time.
At the time of the release of this statement, PCC is implementing the following measures that is hoped to ensure customers experience an undisrupted service until the Government advises us that business practices can return to normal:
1. Applications - for building control services should be submitted online at https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/planningandbuildingcontrol/buildingcontrolandregulations/submitbuildingregulationsapplication
2. Plan checking – service will continue as normal.
3. Site inspections – to ensure the health and wellbeing of staff and any person who they will come into contact with on site, the approach to site work is being amended ;
a) Virtual inspections – where appropriate certain inspections will be carried out virtually, obtaining necessary evidence to confirm compliance
b) Pre site visit assessment – for certain inspections it is recognised that it will still be necessary to attend site. Prior to the visit you will asked the following questions:
1. Has anyone at the site (property owner or builder) been ill and displaying the coronavirus symptoms;
2. Is anyone at the site (property owner or builder) travelled from either Italy, Spain or China within the last 2 weeks;
3. Could the inspection be carried out in the absence of the builder/homeowner if necessary?
With questions 1. and 2. if anyone is ill or has visited those countries then PCC will seek to delay the visit until such time as the necessary quarantine period has expired.
In addition, some staff are currently self-isolating due to their own health issues or those of dependents. PCC therefore apologise in advance if this means the level of service is disrupted, but are sure you will understand in these uncertain times.
If you do have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch at buildcon@plymouth.gov.uk or telephone 01752 304343.
Additional advice
For the latest advice from the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England, please click here.