Building Regulation Applications
How to apply for Building Regulation Consent
Before submitting an application see what work needs building regulation approval?
There are two methods of applying for Building Regulations Approval:
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Full Plans Approval submission
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Building Notice application
You can apply online for Building Regulations through the planning portal website. Applications will not be processed until full payment of fees is received.
We will inspect the work at various stages regardless of the application type.
If the building is put to a use as designated under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 the application must be a Full Plans submission containing detailed plans and specification. A single family dwelling house is not controlled under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 but communal areas of flats are. This means every application apart from alterations/extension to a dwelling or a new dwelling must be a Full Plans submission.
Full Plans
'Full Plans' means the submission of fully detailed plans, specifications, calculations and other supporting details to enable the Building Control Surveyor to check compliance with the Building Regulations. The amount of detail depends on the size and type of building works proposed. You should include a location plan showing where the building is relative to neighbouring streets.
There are different charges for applying for Building Regulations approval depending on the work that is being done to find out how much the fee will be for your application see the building regulation application fees.
Some of the advantages of using the 'Full Plans' method are:
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the plans can be examined and approved before work commences
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the builder can work to the approved drawings in the knowledge that the detail complies with the regulations
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Where work has commenced, problems can be identified before work reaches an advanced stage
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copies of the Approval Notice will be issued together with plans stamped approved and these can be retained with the property details
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the work is still subject to inspection at relevant stages
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a Completion Certificate is issued on satisfactory completion of the work
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approved plans may be used for up to three years after deposit even if regulations change.
Building Notice Application
The Building Notice method does not normally involve the submission of detailed plans and is most suitable when small works are being carried out. In certain circumstances some plans and details may be required to enable us to carry out necessary checks.
As no formal approval is given it is essential that there is good liaison between the builder and the Building Control surveyor. This helps to reduce the risk of work being carried out that does not comply with the regulations.
It helps if you submit a marked up sketch showing the location of the building.
There are different charges for applying for Building Regulations approval depending on the work that is being done to find out how much the fee will be for your application see the building regulation application fees.
Some of the advantages of using the 'Building Notice' method are:
- it is a simple process
- there is no delay while detailed plans are produced
- there is no cost involved in the preparation of detailed plan
- there is a greater emphasis on the site inspection programme
- a Completion Certificate is issued on satisfactory completion of the work.
Inspection of Works
Local Authority Building Control Surveyors carry out inspections of work as it progresses.
Certain stages of work must be inspected (referred to as statutory inspections). These include inspection of foundations, damp proof courses, drains, materials under floors. Other visits are made to check on fire protection, thermal and sound insulation, access for disabled, stairways etc.
A final inspection of work is carried out upon completion. It is essential that the Building Control surveyor be notified so that any problems may be rectified before the contractor leaves the site. A Completion Certificate will be issued free of charge. This is a valuable document that may be required when you sell your property.
For more information and advice download the following leaflets:
Hourly Rates
The building control team hourly rate for the period 01/04/2024 – 31/03/2025 is £49.60 plus VAT i.e. £59.52.
This has been calculated having regard to the CIPFA guidance and has been authorised by the Council’s s151 Officer.