How to apply for Building Regulation Approval  

There are two ways in which you can apply for building regulations (1) Full Plans Application or (2) Building Notice Application

Full Plans Application

To make a full plans application you will need:-

• An application form available on line or from service centres.
• The appropriate fee and
• For domestic buildings only one set of plans clearly showing details of the proposed work is required
• For commercial 2 sets of plans (one for us and one for the Fire Brigade)
• A site plan 

Please note, to minimise paper, we do not routinely return plans with decisions. Please call us if you require us to do so.

A Building Control Officer will check the application for compliance with the building regulations; consultation may be carried out with a Structural Engineer, Fire Authority and drainage engineer, depending upon the type of building proposed.

There is a time limit of five weeks by which a decision must be given to your application, which is normally extended to two months from the date of deposit of plans, unless you tell us otherwise on the application form.

In any case, we endeavour to contact you or your agent within 10 working days from the deposit of the application if the plans are found not to be in accordance with the regulations. The opportunity to amend the plans or discuss any issues is given. We will always endeavour to assist where possible.

Building Notice Application

To make a building notice application you need:-

• An application form available on line or from service centres.
• The appropriate fee 
• A site plan

A Building Notice application should be deposited with the Council at least 48 hours before work is due to start on site.

You will not have the same protection as a full plans application, as the builder will not have approved working drawings to follow. The objective of the Building Notice procedure is to reduce delay in the building process and is more suited to minor domestic applications.

A Building Notice may only be used on domestic work, however it is not advisable to carry out a loft conversion in this way, as structural details, calculations and means of escape layouts can be quite complex in certain situations.

For help and advice please call the Building Control Help Line on 01527 881402