Getting Approval

The Building Regulations apply to:

• The erection of a building such as new houses, offices, shops, etc.
• The extension of a building
• Alterations to a building such as removal of internal walls, installation of ensuites
• When installing replacement windows using a builder or window company not registered with the relevant Competent Person Schemes.
• The insertion of insulation into a cavity wall
• The underpinning of the foundations of a building
• When you want to change the building's fundamental use such as conversion of a barn to a dwelling
• When you want to change the use of part of a building such as converting the loft space of a dwelling to form additional living space such as a study, bedroom, studio etc
• Refurbishment of existing buildings such as the replacement of roofing felt, renewing plaster internally or render on external walls, replacing timber floors with concrete slabs etc.

However, some works may be exempt from the requirements of the Building Regulations and you are advised to contact your local Building Control Section to discuss whether the Building Regulations will apply to your proposed works prior to their commencement. General guidance on exempt works can be found in the Building Regulations Explanatory Booklet  and in our Frequently Asked Questions

When should I make an application?

It is a requirement that an application should be submitted where a person is intending to carry out building works which are subject to the requirements of the Building Regulations prior to their commencement.

Building work undertaken without an application may not comply and pose a risk to the health and safety of occupants of the building, cause unnecessary delays when selling the property and may result in the Council taking enforcement action against you.

Applying for Building Regulation Approval

There are two different ways of applying for Building Regulation Approval:

Full Plans Procedure

• This type of application requires detailed drawings to be submitted to the local authority along with the relevant fee for the work being undertaken. The plans are checked and, if no further information or amendments are required, an approval notice will be issued. The statutory period within which a decision should be issued can be up to 8 weeks from date of deposit of the application.

Building Notice Procedure 

• This type of application is a simpler procedure with only basic details and the relevant charge required. In this case the plans are not checked and an approval notice is not issued. Instead, work is allowed to commence with regular site inspections made at agreed stages of construction.
  
• However, this does not mean that the Building Control Surveyors are required to design the works in the absence of detailed drawings. They will provide advice and guidance but responsibility for the design rests with the owner and builder.
  
• There are instances where the full plan procedure must be used such as for works involving commercial premises, new buildings fronting onto a private street and where the works will in be in close proximity to a public sewer.
  
• For more information on the Building Notice Procedure please see our guidance note.

Building Control Charges

• These take the form of standard charges in most instances.
• If the proposed scheme falls outside the standard charges, it will be necessary for us to establish the charges for the project from the plans and specification.  This will be based on the estimated time it will take us to check the plans and undertake the necessary inspections.
• Where the work is for the sole benefit of a disabled person, charges may not be payable.
• For a copy of our charges please refer to the Application Form.

Forgot to make an application?

The lack of a completion certificate can affect your ability to use or sell a property. It may also affect your insurance and may put you at risk of legal action. However, if you have previously carried out work without a Building Regulations application you can apply for a Regularisation Certificate by submitting a Regularisation Application. You will need to provide full details and plans showing the work that was carried out and evidence to show when the works commenced along with payment of the relevant charge.

Once this information has been provided you may be required to open up and uncover the work so that it can be inspected and checked by the building control surveyor. Provided that the work is satisfactory a Regularisation Certificate will be issued.