Building regulations are a set of standards for building work that protect the safety, health and welfare of people in and around buildings.
If you are planning to carry out any building work on your property that requires Building Control, you must make an appropriate application.
Requesting a fee quotation
Before submitting an application please request a fee quotation for the planned works by clicking the button below. Please note that the button opens in a new window.
Submit your application
Once you have received this fee quotation you will be able to submit the relevant Building Regulation Application by selecting the appropriate application type below.
Once your application has been validated, you have three years to have an inspection where the work is deemed as 'commenced'.
Types of building regulation applications
There are four different types of application:
1. Approval with Full Plans
Used for all types of building projects, this is the most detailed option.
When to use Approval with Full Plans
The Approval with Full Plans procedure must be used if the building work is in connection with a building that:
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to;
- Is to be erected over a sewer;
- The building fronts onto a private street;
- The footprint of the proposed work is within 3m of a public drain or sewer that is greater than 225mm in diameter.
- The footprint of the proposed work is over a gully, inspection chamber or manhole.
- The footprint of the proposed work covers more than 6m of an existing drain or sewer.
- Is a commercial or public building.
What you need to submit
You will need to submit a full set of detailed plans, specifications and calculations showing how the work will meet the regulations and the correct fee. You will also need to provide the details of the Principal Designer. Principal Contractor details, if not provided at the point of application, will need to be provided prior to the first inspection.
Application process
Within three weeks of your application being validated an inspector will carry out a detailed appraisal of the proposal. After this, you or your agent (if an agent has been appointed) will be contacted for any additional information, clarification, or other form of amendment required. You will have five weeks to supply the required information.
Inspection requirements
Once you or your agent have satisfactorily answered these queries, a formal Notice of Approval with or without conditions will be issued, this will remain valid for three years from the date of deposit.
You or your builder must notify us at various stages so that the work can be inspected. You will be advised on the inspections required and how to book when your application is acknowledged.
Note: The button below opens in a new window.
Apply for Approval with Full Plans
2. Building Notice Submission
Used for smaller projects, it's a formal notice that you intend to start your building project.
When to use a Building Notice Submission
A building notice cannot be used if:
- The building is used for a 'relevant use' and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the work you are planning to do.
- The work involves the construction, extension or underpinning of a building, which is being built over or within 3 metres of a public sewer or disposal main.
- The work, which includes the erection of a building, fronts on to a private street.
- The footprint of the proposed work is within 3m of a public drain or sewer that is greater than 225mm in diameter.
- The footprint of the proposed work is over a gully, inspection chamber or manhole.
- The footprint of the proposed work does covers more than 6m of an existing drain or sewer.
- The work is for a commercial or public building.
What you need to submit
You will need to submit the application form along with the correct fee and the Principal Designer details. Once received, the details will be checked, and you will be issued with an acknowledgement. You should note that this does not in any way indicate prior approval of your proposals. You will need to provide the Principal Contractor details before the first inspection can take place.
Inspection requirements
You or your builder must notify us at various stages so that the work can be inspected. When you application is acknowledged, you will be advised on how to request an inspection visit; it is the responsibility of the client to ensure inspections are requested at the relevant stages.
The project will be inspected as it progresses so be prepared to obtain further information if asked for it. If we're not happy with the work, you may have to rectify this at your own cost.
Note: The button below opens in a new window.
Apply for Building Notice Submission
3. Regularisation certificate
Used when applying for approval of building work that's already commenced or has been completed without consent. This is only possible for work that has been undertaken since 1985.
What you need to submit
You will need to submit plans of the work, where necessary, and the correct fee.
Application process
Once your application is validated you will receive an acknowledgement advising you how to book a visit from our inspector to ascertain the extent of the works completed and inspect certain elements of the construction. Once these elements have been exposed for inspection and your inspector is satisfied they comply with the requirements in force at the time the works were carried out, a Regularisation Certificate will be issued.
It should be noted that the Building Control Inspector may require additional work to be carried out to achieve compliance with the Building Regulations.
Note: The button below opens in a new window.