MAKING A BUILDING CONTROL APPLICATION
If the work you are proposing to carry out requires an application then there are two types of application you can make. The type of application considered most suitable will depend on your circumstances and the type of work proposed.
Full Plans Applications
- Fill in a simple application form.
- Submit drawings in duplicate of the proposed work, indicating details of construction and materials, drawn to a suitable scale. If the work is to a premise where the Fire Safety Order applies then four copies of the plans will be required.
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 reforms the law relating to fire safety in non-domestic premises. Specifically it replaces fire certification under the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and applies to all non-domestic buildings, common parts of apartment buildings and shared parts of houses in multiple occupation.
- Submit two copies of a site location plan drawn to a scale not less than 1:1250, and showing the site boundaries.
- Obtain estimates if necessary.
- Pay the appropriate fee.
Can I draw my own plans?
Although there is no legal restriction on who can draw and submit plans, experience shows that it is not as easy as it looks!
Enthusiastic amateurs have often cost themselves more in lost time and increased material costs than it would have done to pay a professional to do the job in the first place. You should remember that you may need structural calculations and the engineer will usually want an accurate plan from which to work.
Building Notice Applications
- Obtain estimates if necessary.
- Submit a simple Building Notice application form and a site plan where necessary.
- You will need to pay the appropriate fee in full.
Additional details may be requested if the construction is complex, such as structural calculations which may be required for beams, or a SAP calculation is a new dwelling is created.
This method is more suitable for minor works. If this procedure is used, you should satisfy yourself that the person who will be carrying out the work has a competent knowledge of the Building Regulations. Usually detailed plans are not available when a Building Notice is used.
This method cannot be used for buildings considered to be a premise where the Fire Safety Order applies.
Advantages and Disadvantages
A Full Plans application will be thoroughly checked and you will be issued with an approval notice and a stamped copy of the approved plan indicating that the works shown comply with the regulations. This will give you the protection of being able to prove that your plans have been passed for the purposes of the Building Regulations.
An approval notice will NOT be given for a Building Notice. If there is a dispute no procedure exists to seek a determination from the Secretary of State.
Fees
The fee will always be the same whichever method you choose.
A Full Plans application will generally involve a two stage payment - one when you submit your plans (Plan fee) and one following the first inspection on site (Inspection fee). The inspection fee is paid only once no matter how many site inspections are made.
Where a Building Notice is submitted, the fee is payable in full on deposit of the application. No further fee will be required when you commence the works.
Decision Times
- A decision will be made on your Full Plans application
- as soon as your plans show compliance with the Regulations or
- within the statutory five week period, or where extended, two months from the date of receipt of the application
Rejections
If your plans show details that do not comply with the Building Regulations or if there is insufficient information then we will give you or your agents details of why your plans do not comply, or what further information is required.
If the information is not received then the application is likely to be REJECTED. A new application will then be required subject to another checking period. This resubmitted application will not require a new plan fee if it is substantially for the same scheme.
Validity of Approval
The approval is valid for three years from the date of deposit. If the work has not started after the expiry of three years the plans will be declared lapsed and a new application must be made together with the appropriate fee.
The information contained in this leaflet is for guidance only, and clarification should be sought from the Building Control section regarding any Building Regulation matters.
You are advised to contact the Development Control section as planning permission may be required for your proposed work.
