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Application Process

 

On this page you can read our guidance on the new processes, see when to use a Full Plans or Building Notice application and at what stages you should notify us during the building project. You can apply online and also download the forms you will need during your project. 

View changes to the Building Regulations October 2023.

 

Read our Guidance Notes for Clients

Note a Building Notice cannot be used for works to commercial properties.

Full Plans Application

Usually submitted by Principal Designer

Building Notice

Usually submitted by the Domestic Client or their Principal Contractor

Plans

Projects where a Client/Domestic Client has appointed a Principal Designer to provide them with detailed construction/structural plans and designs. These will be in addition to those provided to your Local Planning Authority

Projects where there are no detailed plans and designs, or they are limited to structural drawings.

There are some projects where a Building Notice is not permissible, and we will advise you should the circumstances arise.

Project Types

New Dwellings

Extensions

New Garages

All works related to commercial buildings

Whilst this route can be used for New Dwellings, Extensions and New Garages, It cannot be used for commercial buildings.

This route is usually used for simple projects in domestic buildings such as:

Removal of internal walls

Garage Conversions

Replacement windows & doors not carried out by a competent person

Dutyholders

Client/Domestic Client

Principal Designer

Principal Contractor (usually appointed after the Full Plans Application is submitted)

 

Domestic Clients

Principal Designer is a structural engineer

Principal Contractor (This person is likely to be the key contact for the Domestic Client)

Fees – The total fees payable for each route is the same, but there are some differences.

Fees are payable in 2 stages

Stage 1 when Full Plans Application is submitted (Plan Fee).

Stage 2 when work commences on site (Inspection Fee).

All Fees are submitted when a Building Notice is submitted.

Timescales – Once a Full Plans application or Building Notice has been validated you have three years for the work to commence on site.

This route is used when the project is not commencing for some months and you may still be going through the planning process.

Although you have appointed a designer, you may still have to appoint your Principal Contractor.

This route is used when the project is starting within a matter of weeks. You will have obtained your planning approval if required and may have engaged a Structural Engineer to provided calculations, but you do not require detailed construction plans to be checked by us.

 

End of Project

A Final Inspection must be booked within 5 days of work completing.

All registrations that are required such as those needed for electrical and boiler competent persons must be completed and notified to us.

All documentation including final plans are held by the Client/Domestic Client.

Once a satisfactory final inspection has been completed we will issue a Completion Certificate to the Client/Principal Client. This is an important document which will be needed if the property is sold or re-mortgaged.

 

The type of inspections we carry out

When your application has been acknowledged, you will receive an approval notification with the schedule of building regulation inspection notifications which will outline the stages we are required to make a site inspection. We will need to inspect your site at certain points to ensure your project is meeting building regulations. Additional inspections may also be required during the work.

Under the regulations, for any type of application and work, you are required to notify us at the following stages, which may or may not require a physical inspection:

The minimum notifications required are:

  • Start of work – notice required two days prior to starting work on site, (your appointment of contractor form should be received by this date).
  • Commencement of work – notice required not more than five days after the date on which work is considered commenced in accordance with regulation 46a.
  • Completion of work - notice of completion of works is required five days prior to the date on which work is considered complete. A notice of completion must be completed by all dutyholders and returned to us not more than five days after the work has been completed. Failure to complete and return this may affect the issue of the certificate of completion.

Types of inspections requiring 24 hours’ notice:

  • Uncovering of existing structure 
  • Foundations (and any associated ground beams) 
  • Oversite preparation and suspended floor 
  • Damp-proof (or gas proof if required) membrane 
  • Floor joists 
  • Damp-proof course 
  • Intermediate structure 
  • Structural support 
  • Roof structure 
  • Drainage before covering 
  • Insulation
  • Installation of new staircase
  • Drainage after covering 
  • Fire spread prevention measures 
  • Occupation 

Certificate of Completion

A certificate of completion will be issued when all work has been inspected, satisfactorily completed and the Completion Notice has been received.

This certificate is needed when selling the property or getting a mortgage. The certificate provides evidence to any prospective purchaser or mortgage company that building work has been carried out in accordance with building regulations.

The following forms should be downloaded and completed and returned to us at the relevant stage: