Application Guidance

Do I need Building Regulations Approval?

Most building work will need Building Regulations Approval. If you are unsure whether you will need Approval for the work you plan to do, please check with us before you start. To give you an idea here are some examples of when Building Regulations Approval is needed:-

• The erection or extension of a building
• The conversion of part or whole of a building
• Internal alterations that affect the means of escape in case of fire
• The provision or extension of a controlled service or fitting e.g. drainage,electrical work etc.
• Structural alterations
• Underpinning your building

* There are some exemptions. Please contact Building Control for details.

Remember, Planning Permission is separate from Building Regulations Approval.
You must apply for both, if both are needed.

One permission does not give you the other permission!

How do I make a Building Regulation Application?

The two methods of making an application are:

1. Full Plans application

2. Building Notice application

Full Plans application
This method of submission requires that full detailed drawings be deposited together with details and specifications of the proposed scheme prior to the work commencing on site. These deposited drawings will be checked for compliance with the Building Regulations. Once this has been done and all outstanding information has been provided, a formal notice of approval will be issued which remains valid for three years from the date the notice was issued. By following this route of submission you will be able to provide your builder with a set of approved drawings and provided that they are adhered to, and any conditions of the approval are discharged, the regulations will be satisfied.

Minor variations in construction can be agreed as work progresses, but major changes may require amended plans or even a new application to be submitted.

Building Notice application
The submission of a building notice does not normally require the deposit of any plans (although in the case of the erection or extension to a building, a block plan to a scale of not less than 1:1250 should be submitted along with the notice). During the construction process the Local Authority may, however, require further details in order to ensure compliance with the regulations. Once the notice and relevant fee have been received, the works are eligible to commence on site after a time period of 48 hours has elapsed.

There are specific exclusions when a building notice cannot be used. These are for building work, which is subject to section 1 of the Fire Precautions Act 1971 or Part 2 of the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997. Also for work which will be built close to or over a public sewer.

Either way you choose, once the building work is underway, a Building Control Officer will visit at various stages to check that Building Regulations are being met. When the works have been completed satisfactorily, we will issue a Completion Certificate.

Go to the Applicaton forms and guidance on charges page

How much does it cost to make a  Building Regulations Application?

Charges apply to all Bulding Regulations Applications (unless you are entitled to an exemption). There is no difference in price between a Full Plans application and a Building Notice application. However with a Full Plans application, you pay in two stages, plan charge and inspection charge. The charge for a Buiding Notice Application must be paid when you send us your notice.

How to pay

You can make your payment aany of our Customer Service Centres:

Get In Touch - Contact Customer Services

Problems calculating your charges?
There are guidance notes with the application form to help you calculate your Charges, but if you have a problem a Building Control Officer will be pleased to help. The telephone number to call is 01684 862151.