To get building regulations approval, there are 2 different types of applications:
- full plans application
- building notice application
Full plans application
This is a useful method if you have a more complex project and you want to get the proposal checked against the regulations before work starts.
You will need to submit detailed plans and specifications that clearly show that the proposed work meets all the requirements for schedule 1 building regulations.
Once we have confirmed that they meet the requirements, we will issue an approval notice you can use to prove plans were passed.
If you choose to submit a full plans application, you will:
- get a formal decision (usually within 3 weeks),
- get compliance advice at the design stage of your project,
- get a decision notice that you can show to financial institutions, solicitors and surveyors, when seeking loans or moving home, and
- have the comfort that any work completed in accordance with the plans will meet the requirements of the regulations.
What you need to provide
Your application must include:
- all detailed plans, sections and elevations that incorporate all necessary technical notes, supporting calculations and specifications, and
- a 1:1250 scale plan showing the size and position of the building or the building as extended, and its relationship to adjoining boundaries (this is known as block plans).
Building notice application
This is a useful method for domestic type projects if you are familiar with the building regulations requirements. For example, if you are a builder that specialises in extension, alteration or conversion work which is largely repetitive and similar in requirements under the building regulations.
This method saves time and cost because you do not have to prepare and submit full detailed plans and specifications.
With a building notice, the works are still inspected at various stages to make sure they meet building regulations.
Depending on the nature and complexity of the work being done, you may need to provide more information to clarify the suitability of the work.
If the proposed works need consultation with the Fire Service (for example, where the Regulatory Reform Order applies), you cannot apply for a building notice.
What you need to provide
Your application must include:
- a 1:1250 scale plan showing the size and position of the building or the building as extended, and its relationship to adjoining boundaries (this is known as block plans), and
- a description or details of the work proposed.
Making payment
If you apply on the Planning Portal, you will need to pay the fee through the portal.
If you choose to apply by email, you will need to make payment over the phone.
We will not process your application until you have paid.
The total charge is exactly the same whether you submit the full plans or building notice application. Find out about building control charges .
However, with the full plans application, you will pay the total charge in two instalments. You will need to pay the submission charge when you make your application and an inspection charge when you start the work.
If you submit a building notice application, you must pay both the submission charge and the inspection charge when you make your application.
Apply for approval
You can apply for building regulations approval on the Planning Portal . You will need to sign in or create an account.
The Planning Portal allows you to:
- Work on your applications in draft before submitting it
- Immediately submit your application and get confirmation of it
- Access online help functions for completing applications
- Keep track of completed applications
- Use a single login for planning and building control
- Pull across key information from planning applications
- Stay up to date with latest legislation
- Pay online
Apply by email
You can submit your application by emailing [email protected] .
Please send us your completed building control application form (PDF, 471 KB) and all the documents we need.
What happens next
With the full plans procedure, we advise that you wait until we have checked and approved your detailed plans and specifications before you start the work.
However, you can start work on site 2 working days after we have received your application (Full Plans or Building Notice) if you tell us your intention to start the work when you apply.
We will arrange inspections to make sure the work is compliant with the regulations.
You are responsible for telling us when you reach specific stages of the work. The stages are:
- Commencement
- Excavation for foundations
- Foundation concrete laid
- Damp proof course laid
- Over site ready for concreting (including damp proof membrane and insulation)
- Drains laid and bedded
- Drains covered and back-filled ready for test witnessing
- Occupation
- Completion of the work or occupation of the building or area affected by the work (whichever is sooner)
We will issue a completion certificate after we have carried out a satisfactory completion inspection.
This is an important document. You will need it if you ever decide to sell your property or raise capital against it.
