Apply for building regulation approval
When you apply for building control approval, you can choose the following types of applications:
- Full Plan applications
- Building Notice
You may also need to complete a regularisation application if an alteration or extension has been carried out without building regulations approval.
Once the work complies, we will be able to issue a certificate of regularisation.
Due to legislation changes brought in on 1 October 2023, our online application forms have been updated.
We have designed an all-in-one form that can adjusted for the application type required. If you do not wish to apply via Planning Portal, please see below for our new application form and guidance.
Apply using the Building Control Form
Full Plan applications
A Full Plan application allows you to have detailed plans submitted by yourself or your agent (architect) checked by our Registered Building Inspectors (RBI) and approved as complying with building regulations.
A Full Plans application may be made for any type of building work but must always be used for commercial projects.
Your plans will then be approved to build from and be exempt from enforcement action as long as the work is carried out in accordance with any conditions stipulated on your Decision Notice.
If the work is carried out in line with the approved plans and all the relevant inspections confirm that the work is of a satisfactory standard, you will get a Completion Certificate.
A Full Plans application needs to be accompanied by one copy of each drawing and a plan fee.
If you require any further information, you will be able to find this on Front Door buy LABC - Home improvements and building regulations advice for homeowners and builders.
How long will my application take to process?
There is a statutory time limit of 5 weeks (extendable to 2 months with agreement) in which we must determine your submission, although our aim will always be to process your application as quickly as possible.
What if my application is unsuccessful?
Where the proposals are found to be unsatisfactory a Registered Building Inspector will contact you in order that the plans can be amended.
In certain circumstances there may be no alternative but to reject the plans (i.e. where the plans indicate a contravention of the regulations or contain insufficient information for assessment purposes).
The plan fee
This is payable on submission of the application to the Building Control Office.
Building Regulation scale of fees - Effective 17 Jan 2024 (PDF) [283KB] can be downloaded here.
The inspection fee
This is payable when the work starts on site.
The person specified on the application form will be invoiced for this fee following commencement. The fee covers all inspections carried out during the course of the work.
If the work is solely for the benefit of a disabled person, then you may be exempt from the payment of fees (evidence will be required and approved by a manager before confirming).
The works as described must be commenced within 3 years of the date of submission. Works commenced after this period will be subject to a new application and fee being submitted.
Building Regulation scale of fees - Effective 17 Jan 2024 (PDF) [283KB] can be downloaded here
Building Notice applications
If you are certain that you do not require formal approval or detailed plans, you have the option of choosing to submit a Building Notice.
As no approved plans are required for a Building Notice our inspectors will concentrate their checking of the regulations at site inspections. However, if you don't have an approved plan to work to, there may be delays to your project if work is found not to comply or meet regulations.
A Building Notice application should be completed advising us of your intention to carry out the building work and be accompanied by the appropriate fee.
This type of application cannot be used for any works relating to commercial premises.
Why should I apply for a Building Notice?
A Building Notice is particularly suited to simple domestic schemes, such as internal alterations and small extensions. However, please be aware that a Building Notice puts more responsibility on the person carrying out the work and the property owner with regards to knowing, understanding and complying with the building regulations.
Plans and details may be requested in some situations, for example structural calculations for loft conversions and through rooms, but only when absolutely necessary.
With no plans used there is no detailed check of the work before it is carried out and therefore no official decision notice is issued.
Whilst the Registered Building Inspector will try to anticipate potential problems it is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that the requirements of the regulations are satisfied.
Please note, a Building Notice cannot be used if you are going to be building over or close to a public sewer or altering a commercial building.
When can I start the work?
Work can begin 48 hours after receiving your Acknowledgment letter.
The Building Notice fee
This is payable on submission of the application to the Building Control Office.
If the work is solely for the benefit of a disabled person, then you may be exempt from the payment of fees (evidence will be required and approved by a manager before confirming).
The works as described must be commenced within 3 years of the date of submission. Works commenced after this period will be subject to a new application and fee being submitted.
Building Regulation scale of fees - Effective 17 Jan 2024 (PDF) [283KB] can be downloaded here.
Regularisation application
If an alteration or extension has been carried out without first seeking Building Regulation approval, a regularisation application may be submitted to "Regularise" the work carried out.
This means that you can apply to obtain retrospective approval for the completed work, however, this is only possible for work carried out after 11 November 1985.
You may be asked for plans and calculations to show what was done and the work will be inspected. However, please be aware that you may be asked to open up various areas of the building so the Registered Building Inspector can check things that have been covered up like beams, pipes and insulation.
If everything appears to meet the regulations that were in place at the time the work was carried out, you'll receive a Regularisation Certificate.
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