Application Process, Forms and Fees

For many types of building work, both Planning Permission and Building Control approval will be needed – and will need to be applied for separately. There are instances where building work will require Building Control approval, but not Planning Permission, and vice versa.

For information regarding Planning, please see here.

There are 3 main ways of applying for Building Control approval. Different circumstances will suit each of the methods outlined below. Should you need any assistance in making an application please contact us.

Building Notice Application

A Building Notice application allows work to be carried out without the need to submit full plans for approval. Most problems will be dealt with on site, and as such this method is undertaken at the applicant/builder's own risk. For this reason, Building Notice application's are best suited for minor works, and should only be used for domestic applications.

A Building Notice must be submitted at least 48hours prior to work starting. In the case of an extension, a block plan at a scale of not less than 1:1250 must also be submitted. There is no plan approval when using Building Notice applications, however in some cases additional information may be required, for instance structural calculations for steel beams etc.

Building-Notice-Form (Please see below for fees)

•  Your application, fee, and site plan (if applicable) are received and registered.
•  Subject to the above being acceptable, you will receive an acknowledgement within 5 days.

Full Plans Submission

A Full Plans Submission must be submitted with detailed plans and calculations, which will be checked by the Council for compliance with the Building Regulations. Most issues will be dealt with through amendments to the plans, and full or conditional approval will be given when the Building Control Officer is happy that the plans comply with the Building Regulations.

The plans submitted require full construction details and relevant structural calculations so you are advised to seek professional advice before submitting an application. Two copies of the plans at a scale of not less than 1:100 should be submitted along with a block plan of scale not less than 1:1250 in the case of an extension.

Full-Plans-Submission-Form (Please see below for fees)

• Your application, fee, and plans are received and registered.
• An acknowledgement is sent to you or your agent.
• The plans are checked for compliance with the Building Regulations and any defects are notified to you or your agent usually within 14 days with a time limit of 5 weeks (extendable to 2 months) to amend the plans. 
• When the Building Control Officer is satisfied that the plans comply with the Building Regulations, an approval is issued.
• Should the time limit be exceeded, the Council may reject your application. This can be resubmitted free of charge provided the works are the same as before.

Regularisation Application

A Regularisation Application must be used where works have previously been carried out without Building Control Approval. Plans should be submitted detailing the works that have been carried out. On inspection it may be necessary to open up completed works and any corrective works carried out before a completion certificate is provided. To act as a deterrant against unauthorised works, a 20% surcharge is included in the fee. VAT is not payable for a regularisation application.

Regularisation-Application-Form (Please see below for fees)

The Council can take enforcement action against unauthorised building work in contravention of the Building Regulations. This can involve issuing a notice requiring removal of the work or court action. To prevent this occuring please ensure you make a Building Control Application prior to starting work.

Electrical Works, Windows etc 

The 'Competant Persons Scheme' is now in place which covers electrical works, windows, gas etc.

For information on electrical works in dwellings please click here.

You can download a Statement of Intent to include in a relevant Building Notice or Full Plans Submission - PartP

Application Fees

Fees are calculated as shown on the fee sheet below.

Building-Control-Fees-2008

• Schedule 1 - New Dwellings and Flats.
• Schedule 2 - Extensions and garages calculated on floor area.
• Schedule 3 - Any other work including windows and electrical works, calculated on an estimated value of works including materials and labour.

Building Notice fees are charged as one payment, due when the application is sent in.

Full Plans fees are charged as two seperate payments; the 'plan fee' due when the application is sent in, and the 'inspection fee' payable by invoice on commencement of works. However the total amount payable is equal to that of a Building Notice for the same works.

For Schedule 1 works over 10 dwellings, Schedule 2 works over 60m2, or Schedule 3 works over £100,000, please contact Carla Bevan on 01303 853418 or by email.