Relocating your business is a major decision which, without the right professional help and guidance, can be plagued by delay, rising costs and frustration. Imagine if you had a single point of contact to deal with all your planning permission issues, guiding you through the planning maze and offering advice and guidance throughout the process. Or even somebody to explain the business rates system and provide estimates of cost prior to firm commitments being made.

Here in North Ayrshire we believe in making the process as painless and smooth as possible that is why the Executive assigned to your enquiry at the beginning will remain your sole contact for all local government related issues.

For a new investor to the area you will almost certainly have to communicate with North Ayrshire Council in relation to one or more of the following:

1. Planning Matters
2. Building Control Issues
3. Environmental Health Concerns
4. Business Rates
5. Estates Section

But what do they all do? I brief description of their responsibilities and a direct link to more specific information is provided below.

1. Planning Matters

The Development Control Section of North Ayrshire Council is responsible for:

•	Advice and Guidance on Planning Legislation
•	Processing of applications for planning permission and other consents under planning legislation
•	Enforcement of unauthorised development
•	Issuing of Section 23 Certificates in relation to the planning aspects of applications to North Ayrshire Council Licensing Board
•	Supplying of Ordnance Survey map extracts for the purposes of making planning applications

For further information and a list of contacts please click here.

2. Building Control Issues

Building Control's main function is to ensure the enforcement of the Building (Scotland) Act 1959 & 1970, which is concerned basically with the health, welfare, safety and convenience of people inhabiting or frequenting buildings and the safety of the public.

Generally, these issues are controlled by Surveyors scrutinising that proposals and works fulfil the minimum requirements of the "Building Regulations" for design and construction.

The Technical Standards contained within the Building Regulations relate to aspects such as Structural Design, Fire Safety, Energy Conservation, Drainage, Space Standards and the access and provision of facilities for Disabled Persons. Any building work, coming within the scope of the Building (Scotland) Act, requires the preparation of plans and an application to the local authority for a Building Warrant, and work should not commence until that application is approved.

Why call before construction? Quite simply, apart from our statutory obligation Building Control can offer local knowledge, professional expertise and provide guidance with all building projects within North Ayrshire Council. As the Building Industry is a continuously changing environment, Surveyors of our Building Control Team are highly qualified and possess a wealth of practical experience in Building Control and Public Safety matters.

Calling Building Control before any building works are carried out will determine whether a Building Warrant application is required for the intended project, together with the extent of plans and specification required.

The Building Control Service is able to provide guidance through the Building Regulations and related legislation, whether the proposal consists of an attic conversion, house extension, or state of the art exhibition centre; all building types are covered and Customers receive equal attention irrespective of the size of the project.

For further information please click here

3. Environmental Health Concerns

The Environmental Health Section provides a comprehensive range of services to safeguard the health and well-being of the North Ayrshire community. Officers deal with such diverse matters as

•	Air pollution and quality
•	food control, safety and hygiene
•	bathing water quality analysis
•	food poisoning investigation,
•	pollution control,
•	contaminated land issues
•	pest control,
•	health and safety at work and
•	general public health.

The work impinges to some extent on the day to day life of virtually every part of the community whether at home, at the workplace or at leisure pursuits.

For further information on North Ayrshire Council’s Environmental Health section click here

4. Business Rates

North Ayrshire Council are charged with the responsibility of collecting the rates payable from local businesses. The issue of rates can be complicated and confusing but North Ayrshire Council are here to help. Within the Finance Department the Business rates Team are available to assist in any of the following:

•	General Business Rates Advice
•	Advice on what to do when changing premises
•	Valuation charges and liability
•	Repayments arrangements
•	Availability of rates relief

For further information please click here

5. Estates Section

The Estates and Property Management Section of the Council undertake:

•	The Management of the Council's non-housing property holding including Industrial Units, Shops, Offices and Agricultural properties.
•	Asset Valuations
•	Rating Appeals
•	Identification of surplus property to generate Capital Receipts
•	Purchase of land and buildings required by Directorates
•	Provision of a plan based property ownership system
•	Preparation of Plans for the purchase, lease or sale of property
•	An Advisory Service on property related issues

Estates primary role is in the Management of the Council's property portfolio including:

•	Non-Operational Property Management
	Leases/rent reviews of industrial and commercial property Wayleaves Agricultural tenancies Preparation of property condition reports

•	Operational Property Management
	Capital revaluation of property assets Asset rents Advice on ownership Lease/rent reviews for operational purposes Rating - Valuation and appeals

•	Disposals
	Identification of development opportunities to generate capital receipts Marketing/negotiation

•	Acquisitions
	Purchase or lease

•	Plan Preparation
	Plan based property register Council House Sales Disposals Leases Wayleaves and Servitudes

•	Information Services
	Council Property File Surplus Property records Rent Roll

•	Advisory Service
	To appropriate external bodies

For further information please contact the Estates section on Irvine (01294) 225100.