VIEWS are wanted on a proposal to increase Building Regulations’ fees for the next three years.
Infrastructure Minister David Cretney MHK says the overall aim is to improve efficiency and deliver a value-for-money Building Control service to the island.
The proposal follows a review of fees paid in the island, and those paid in other parts of the British Isles, which showed that the island’s fees were generally much lower.
The Department of Infrastructure wants any submissions regarding the proposed fees increase by April 3.
It says that in analysing the costs of providing the current Building Control services, it was found that an increase in fees was required in order to maintain the quality of service provided to customers across the island.
However, the department does not intend to simply apply the level of fees charged elsewhere.
Howard Quayle MHK, political member with responsibility for Planning and Building Control, said: ‘We’re mindful of the current economic climate, and we do not propose following carte blanche the fees that apply in other jurisdictions.
‘Instead, we want to take a considered and measured approach in determining a level of fees that is both appropriate and reasonable, but bearing in mind the need to recoup a greater proportion of the costs that we incur in delivering the service for the next three years, thus allowing for developers to programme their work more effectively.’
There are two fees applicable to Building Regulations – one for assessing submitted plans, the other for on-site inspection.
For example, at present the erection of a detached garage or carport up to 50 square metres on a residential property carries a £29 ‘plan fee’ and £86 ‘inspection fee’.
Under the proposals, these fees would increase to £30 and £90 respectively; this is an overall rise of £5 on current fees.
As a comparison, a similar project in England and Wales would attract a fee of £303 for a detached or attached garage between 40 square metres and 60 square metres in size.
On a larger scale, a development with an estimated cost of £500,000 has a plan fee of £1,670 and inspection fee of £5,007 – these would increase to £1,720 and £5,155 respectively, this is an overall rise of about £200 on current fees.
The consultation will close at 9am on Wednesday, April 3, and an electronic version of the consultation, including a full breakdown of the new fee levels can be found at {http://www.gov.im/Consultations.gov|http://www.gov.im/Consultations.gov}. Paper copies of the consultation details can also be obtained by phoning 685950. Submissions, marked ‘Draft Building (Fees) Regulations Consultation’ should be sent to the Department of Infrastructure, Building Control Manager, Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas, IM1 2SF or via email to {mailto:Siamack.Rowaichi@gov.im|Siamack.Rowaichi(at)gov.im}.