Which building control application do I need?

Building regulations require you to notify us if you plan to carry out building work.

There are two types of application - Building Notice and Full Plans application. You can also apply for approval after work has been carried out, known as regularisation.

Building Notice application

A Building Notice is used for smaller or straightforward building work. It allows work to start quickly without the need to submit detailed plans in advance, as compliance is checked through site inspections as the work progresses:

• recommended for less complex projects
• valid applications need to be submitted only 48 hours before work starts
• only drawing required at submission is a block plan at scale 1:1250
• structural calculations may still be required.

A Building Notice cannot be submitted for work to:

• a commercial building
• flats with a communal area
• an extension which will be within three meters of the water utilities drains.

For more complex projects the Building Notice fee exceeds a Full Plans fee.

Full Plans application

A Full Plans application involves submitting detailed drawings and specifications for your proposed building work. These plans are checked and approved before work starts to ensure they meet building regulations.

• recommended for more complex projects
• full architectural drawings and specification required at submission
• the application will be checked prior to work commencing (this is approximately a three week process)

Please note that checked, fully compliant drawings used on site reduces errors with the build and reduces the required site visit from the building control team.

Work already completed (regularisation)

We can still sign off the work retrospectively. This is called a regularisation application.

Work can only be regularised if the work was carried out after 11 November 1985.

Depending on the nature of the work, you may be required to uncover certain elements that have been covered up.

Exemptions

Some work can be carried out without informing the building control team. If you think your project is exempt, you can contact us using the form below.

Apply

Once you have decided which application is appropriate for your project you can go ahead and apply by following the link below. You'll also find details on how to request a fee quote and additional forms which may be required depending on your project.

• Apply for building control approval

Keep Me Posted

Sign up to email updates on council services.