Applying for building regulations

This is used for most developments. We will issue an approval notice for works to begin if the plans comply with the building regulations.

This means agreeing your design before you start work. You will need to send us all the information including your plans, specifications and calculations.

How long does it take?

The application will be looked at within 10 working days and a decision will be made within five weeks, unless it is agreed this can be extended.

How much does it cost?

All fees include VAT.

There are two ways to pay:

• Pay the total fees upfront.
• Pay the submission charge upon application. We will then invoice you for the inspection charge, once your first inspection is booked. (We will not send you a completion certificate to prove works have been signed off until you pay the inspection charge).

Step-by-step guide

1. Find out how much it’s going to cost and pay the right fee.
2. Upload a location plan
3. We aim to look at your application within 10 working days. After this time the work will either be approved or you will be asked to give us more information.
4. You will then be given a decision notice. The notice will either give approval for the work, be a conditional approval or a rejection. If your plans are refused you won’t be charged to resubmit your plans.
5. You can start work before a decision is made but it will be at your own risk.

Apply for Full Plans

For more information, call 01622 602000.

This is used when work is not significant enough to need a full plan.

Applying for a building notice is an alternative route to the full plan application. The main difference between the two is that a building notice doesn’t need detailed plans to be submitted. You only need to submit:

• A building notice application form
• A scaled site location plan

A building notice should be used for uncomplicated projects as the disadvantage to using this is that no plan approval is given for the proposals. Some financial institutions may need you to have plan approval proof to release funds. If you choose a building notice, make sure you have agreed what the builder will build and what is being included in the price. It puts more responsibility on you and your builder to ensure the work complies with the Building Regulations.

How long does it take?

It takes two working days or less.

How much does it cost?

Unlike a full plans application you must pay the full amount straight away when submitting a building notice. The overall cost is the same for both full plans and building notices.

All fees include VAT.

Step-by-step guide

• Find out how much it’s going to cost and pay the right fee.
• You'll need to upload a location plan and as much information you can about the design and specification of the work you want to do.
• You will also need to fill in the part of the form about the electrics in your home (Part P Electrical Safety).
• Your application will be accepted or rejected within two working days.

Apply for a Building Notice

For more information, call 01622 602000.

This is used if work has already begun or been completed without approval. If you don’t get permission before you start work, you will need to apply for it after the work has been done. This is called a Regularisation Application. Work done before 11 November 1985 won’t be accepted.

How long does it take?

No timeframe.

How much does it cost?

All fees include VAT.

Step-by-step guide

• Find out how much it’s going to cost and pay the right fee.
• The surveyor will check the work and decide if it can be certified or not. We may need to check parts of the building work including foundations, floors and roofs.
• You may have to make alterations to get the work certified.
• If work meets requirements you will receive a Regularisation Certificate. If it doesn’t, you won’t get the certificate and you will not get a refund.

Apply for a Regularisation Certificate

For more information, call 01622 602000.

It is used for electrical work if you’re not using a certified electrician.

If you are carrying out electrical work and are not using a Part P certified electrician you will need to make an application. Part P qualified electricians can self-certify their own work and are part of the Government's Competent Persons Scheme or you can apply to us to get the go ahead for the work.

How long does it take?

Depending on your application it can take between two and ten working days.

How much does it cost?

All fees include VAT.

Step-by-step guide

• Find out how much it’s going to cost and pay the right fee.
• Send the form to our Building Control Team along with full details of the proposed work including an electrical installation diagram and specification showing it follows BS 7671 - Institute of Engineering and Technology wiring regulations. This means specification for cable types, circuits, fuses, circuit breakers, earthing, bonding conductors and fixed electrical appliances.
• A registered person, acting as the council’s electrician, will inspect and test the work.

Apply for an Electrical Works Building Notice

For more information, call 01622 602000.

This is used for knocking down a building. If you need to knock down a building exceeding 1750 cubic feet you need to give us notice. You must wait to receive a counter notice from us before starting any work.

How long does it take?

We will usually issue a counter notice within five working days.

How much does it cost?

All fees include VAT.

Step-by-step guide

• Find out how much it’s going to cost and pay the right fee.
• Email the form to our Building Control Team, including the name and address of the building and the dates between which the demolition will take place.
• We will send you a counter notice which will specify what you need to do before and during the demolition.
• Copies of the counter notice may be sent to other Government teams, utilities, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and neighbouring properties.

Apply for a Demolition

For more information, call 01622 602000.