KA5025 - Planning and Building Legislation

What will I learn on this module?

You will examine the inter-relationship between the planning and development control systems. You will also examine the agencies, policies and programmes involved in planning, development frameworks and their role in the current development control system, urban regeneration, and conservation and development site briefs.

The module focuses on legislation relating to the enforcement of planning and building controls. This will involve studying the liaison between planning and building control, fire and environmental health legislation.

The administration of both public sector and private sector building control bodies is also studied to give an indication of how the building control “industry” operates in the UK by explaining the duties and responsibilities of building control surveyors.

Aspects of the practical implication of these controls are addressed through an illustrative introduction to the elements of the Equality Act relating to disabled access, and the aspects of fire legislation in England.

How will I learn on this module?

Throughout the module, the basic information will be delivered by a series of weekly lectures supported by seminar sessions where the practical application of theoretical knowledge will be examined within the context of building surveying profession. The use of practical-based coursework philosophy will reinforce the diverse and creative aspects of the building surveying profession and fundamentals of team working.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for planning and building legislation. However, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. If you are in employment it is recognised that there is the need for modes of blended learning delivery, experiential assessment, and opportunities to combine work and study through independent study, embedded learning opportunities, and relevant communications technologies. Lecture capture will be used to elaborate on the content contained in any teaching material along with audio recording and notes to support presentations on key topics.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The university operates an eLearning portal which you can access 24/7. The software has access to a discussion forum for you to discuss any matters either with the module tutor or fellow students on your course. All resources provided in lecturers and seminars will be uploaded on the site for you to access.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, however, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. The eLP, telephone and email will be used as a means of communication once the initial briefings have taken place and work-based visits will be made by tutors if appropriate.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: Comprehend and describe the national and sub-national planning and building control policies intended to deliver sustainable development;
• MLO2: Appraise the sometimes-competing objectives and resulting tensions of the different actors/stakeholders in the planning development and building control process.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. MLO3: Apply legislation regarding materials and layouts to existing buildings.
• MLO4: Develop practical skills of analysing and comprehending government policy and applying it to real case studies

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: Demonstrate the capacity for independent, evidence based thinking and decision making

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is via coursework in which you can demonstrate your achievement of the learning outcomes through the application of knowledge to a simulated ‘real life’ situation.

The coursework will be arranged in 2 sections, the first focusing on current Planning Legislation with Section 2 inverstigating Building Control Legislation. The maximum word count for the coursework is 3000 words.

The coursework will assess MLO1,2,3,4 and 5.

Formative assessment will be given in lectures, seminars and one to one tutorials. Advice will be given into how to improve proposed submissions.
Feedback will be provided by a summative mark being issued together with an individually prepared comments sheet detailing those areas that went well and those areas which would benefit with greater research.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The module examines key aspects of the regulation of the processes involved in planning and development of buildings. These aims are addressed through a consideration of the legislation, case law precedents, administrative systems, and the operation of various bodies involved in the control of planning and building within England, and issues to be addressed in the preparation of development site briefs.

The inter-relationships between the planning and building control systems are explored through an examination of key issues including the role of development frameworks and strategies, an overview of how the development control system operates, measures for conflict resolution, and urban conservation and preservation. The module also examines the disabled access regulations associated with the Equality Act 2010.

If you are in employment your workplace will act as a framework for planning and building legislation to develop your skills and knowledge.

Course info

UCAS Code K230

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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