Guidance on Viewing Building Control Plans

Building control plans are subject to copyright law. This means:

  • View – Plans can be viewed at the council office on a screen but cannot be copied, photographed, or printed without the written consent of the owner (the author) of the plans
  • Who Can View –
    • The property owner may request to view the plans.
    • If you are an agent acting on behalf of the owner, you must provide written consent from the owner (an email is acceptable).

Important Points to Note

  • Plans may not always reflect what was built on site. Changes can occur during construction due to unforeseen issues or design adjustments. This is not usually a concern if regular site inspections were carried out and any changes were agreed.
  • If you need plans to check foundation depths for adding another storey, we cannot rely on the plans alone. You or your builder will need to dig a trial hole so we can inspect and confirm the depth.

How to Request a Viewing

  1. Submit a written request via our contact form in the first instance.
  2. Include:
    • Property address
    • Your name and contact details
    • Proof of ownership or written consent (if you are an agent)
  3. We will confirm if plans are available and arrange a viewing appointment at the council office.