Step 1: Application Types

There are three main types:

• Full Plans application - we check your plans meet the Building Regulations and then, when you start, we inspect the building work on site.
• Building Notice application - generally for smaller projects. You do not need to send us detailed plans.
• Regularisation application - for building works already carried out and completed without Building Control.

Expand the sections below for more information about each type of application.

Full Plans

We check your plans meet the Building Regulations and then, when you start, we inspect the building work on site.

This is the most thorough option as we check your plans to ensure your building work will comply with the Building Regulations.

You will need to submit detailed drawings/plans and constructional details. The plans will be checked by our Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs)  who will contact you, or your representing agent if further information or amendments are required.

Following our initial assessment, you can expect a decision (i.e. we will approve, conditionally approve or reject your plans) within five weeks (or within two months with your consent). We aim to make a decision even sooner if we have all the information we need and our queries are promptly answered.

We then inspect the building work on site as the work progresses.

Fees are payable in two parts for a full plans application:

• the 'plan charge' - you pay this when you submit your application
• the 'inspection charge' - invoiced to the person named as applicant/owner following our first inspection of the project. 

At the end of the project, as long as the building work complies with the regulations, we issue a completion certificate.  

Building Notice

You can start work two days after your notice has been submitted. You do not get a formal decision like you do with full plans applications as we do not carry out an assessment of your plans. 

We inspect the building work on site as the work progresses. At the end of the project, as long as the building work complies with the regulations, we issue a completion certificate.

For commercial properties or works that are to be built close to or over a sewer, you must apply for a Full Plans application.

You need to pay for your building notice application when you submit your application.

Regularisation

A 'regularisation' or retrospective approval is for work already carried out without an application or approval under the Building Regulations.  We will inspect the work carried out and will advise if any further work is required. Sometimes work may need to be uncovered so we can be sure of how it was installed. Only work carried out after 11 November 1985 can be approved in this way. 

As long as we can see the building work complied with the regulations, we will issue a Regularisation certificate.

You need to pay for your regularisation application when you submit your application.