General Description
The local authorities in the Northern region and developers are dedicated to providing architects, builders and developers with the best possible building control service. We do all we can to meet customers’ needs whilst ensuring that building work will satisfy the Building Regulations. We have the technical expertise, the local knowledge and the willingness to assist you to overcome any building control problem that you may have.We can help to co-ordinate your applications to other local authority services, e.g. planning, highways, main drainage, environmental health and the fire prevention officer.
We encourage preliminary discussions on your projects as this can help to agree the design criteria at an early stage and so avoid alterations to schemes that are well advanced.
Geographic Details
The Northern region covers the counties of Cumbria, Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, Durham and the former county of Cleveland. The region boasts a well-balanced blend of urban, city and rural settlements. The main urban areas extend from Berwick in the north, to Middlesbrough and Darlington in the south, from Workington and Barrow in the west to Sunderland and Hartlepool on the east coast. The region contains many fine historic cities, towns and rural village settlements, such as Alnwick, Berwick, Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Workington, Carlisle, Durham, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Darlington. The area is blessed by the splendour of the Lake District and the majestic City of Durham, both of which are major tourist attractions.The geography of the area includes limestone cliffs, lakeland and Pennine moors, cascading waterfalls, magnificent countryside and majestic coastline. The area is linked to the Scottish Borders and the Yorkshire Dales.
Funding for new construction projects may be available through the EU and the Rural Development Commission, subject to eligibility.
Geological Factors
As the region encompasses the Lake District, fells, moors and coastlines, and three major rivers - the Tyne, the Wear and the Tees - the land varies considerably throughout from boulder clay which presents few problems for foundation design, to limestone rock and sand. Areas of high water table and old mine workings may be encountered.Historical Factors
Many influences have brought about changes to the built environment and the region has had to adapt to new industry, growth and reclamation. Improved networks of communication and the provision of high-tech industries have helped in the transformation of the region. However, because of its many historical ties and fine buildings, heritage and conservation have remained a priority thus resulting in a balanced mixture of old and new buildings and settlements. The region has many famous buildings of both architectural and historic interest. Many fine examples of castles, ancient churches and medieval settlements are to be found throughout the region and its links with royalty and nobility are evident.
Alnwick Castle, Hadrian’s Wall, Durham and Carlisle Cathedrals, Raby Castle, Carlisle Castle, Bowes Museum, Brancepeth Castle and Escomb Church are some examples of the region’s history. Durham boasts the finest Norman Cathedral in Western Europe and Dove Cottage at Grasmere is famous for being the home of William Wordsworth.
Demographic Factors
The North’s population is very mixed varying from intense urban settlements in traditional industrial areas on Tyneside, Wearside and Teeside to vast rural expanses and National Park areas in Cumbria and Northumberland. The Northern Region has a population of just over three million. This is made up of 1,131,000 people in Tyne and Wear (including 283,000 in Newcastle Upon Tyne, 295,800 in Sunderland and 201,800 in Gateshead); 607,700 people in County Durham (including 100,600 in Darlington); 559,200 people in Cleveland; 490,300 people in Cumbria (including 103,500 in Carlisle) and 307,300 people in Northumberland (including 80,300 in Blyth Valley). In the former Cleveland area the four new unitary authorities are Stockton (178,300), Middlesbrough (137,900), Redcar and Cleveland, (141,400) and Hartlepool (92,200).The Northern region is easily accessible by road, rail and air and is serviced by a network of communications both to Scotland in the north and the remainder of England and Wales to the south. The A1 (M) and M6 motorways provide road access north and south and east-west links are made via A69 and the A66. Regular Inter City stops are made at Newcastle, Durham and Darlington, Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme with links into the regional rail network. Two major airports at Newcastle and Teeside ensure that the area is easily accessible both to rest of the country and internationally.
Industrial and Commercial Trends
The region contains a diverse range of long established industries such as steel making, chemical manufacture, nuclear power and tyre production, to mention but a few.
The Metro Centre at Gateshead is one of the largest out of town shopping developments in Europe.
Numerous business parks and other high-tech industries are being developed throughout the region. 1. Northern 06 9/11/06 12:30 Page 107
