Making an Application

There are two types of application you can make - Full Plans and Building Notice. The text below gives you some more detailed information about these.  Alternatively, you can call Building Control on 01438 242264 or visit the Councils Offices.

Full plans

Work can start at any time after depositing the application, subject to giving 48 hours notice. However you are strongly advised to wait for the plans to be passed so that you are fully aware of all the requirements.

Detailed plans of your proposal need to be drawn up showing all of the constructional details. For friendly, professional advice please phone one of the above numbers.

Once received, your plans will be checked for compliance with the Building Regulations. Any comments will be forwarded where necessary and an Approval Notice issued as soon as they are considered satisfactory. You should then supply your builder with a copy of those plans in order to avoid complications on site.

If you engage an independent agent to draw your plans all correspondence will normally be conducted via the agent.

Building Notice

Work can start subject to you giving 48 hours notice.

The Building Notice is suitable for minor works in residential properties. Only a site plan showing the size, position and drainage of the building is needed. Plans approval is not issued, so we strongly recommend that you should not use this procedure unless your builder is competent, experienced and you both know exactly what you intend to build and how you intend to build it.

Upon commencement of works one of our Building Control Surveyors/Structural Engineers will visit your property to discuss the proposal with the builder and advise as necessary.

Regularisation

This is where a Certificate of Regularisation can be given for unauthorised works already carried out, providing that they comply with the Building Regulations that were in place at the time of the works.

Charges

Our charges have been set in accordance with the Building (Local Authority Charges) Regulations 1998, and are set within the parameters defined by the Government.  The Fee Charges Sheet gives the charges for the various categories of work.
 
Please note that VAT is applicable on all applications at the current rate (with the exception of Regularisation).

Full Plans Applications

When submitting a full plans type of application, the charge shown as the 'Plan Charge' must be paid when the application is deposited.  The Council will invoice the person named as the Applicant for the Inspection Charge after the completion of the first inspection.

Building Notice Applications

When submitting a Building Notice to the Council, the charge required to be paid when depositing the application is the sum of the plan charge and the inspection charge, i.e. - the full sum should be paid in advance.  Please note that this type of submission can only be made for certain types of project and cannot be used for works to designated buildings.

Regularisation Applications

The charge required when depositing an Application for Regularisation is 120% of the appropriate Building Notice charge, i.e. - 120% of the plan and inspection charges.  This type of application is, however, exempt from VAT.

Estimated Cost of Works

The estimated cost of work used to determine the charge required for the 'Other Works' category should be a reasonable estimate that would be charged by a professional builder for all the controlled works.  Non-controlled elements of the works, for example landscaping, professional fees etc., and VAT can be excluded from the estimate.

Works solely for the benefit of a disabled person

Local Authorities will not make a charge for Building Regulations where the works to be carried out is ‘solely’ for the benefit of disabled person, and where that work is to be carried out on an existing building to which members of the public are admitted, or on a dwelling which is, or is to be, occupied by a disabled person.

Forms can be downloaded from Forms & Guidance, or alternatively please contact the Building Control Department who will be pleased to send you out a hard copy in the post.