Which type of Building Regulations application will I need?
There are generally two types of building regulations application: Full Plans and Building Notice.
Your choice will often depend upon the complexity of the project.
Full plans. It requires detailed drawings to be submitted together with the relevant fee for the work being undertaken. The plans are checked for compliance with the Building Regulations. An amendment schedule is issued if the Local Authority feels the plans do not show compliance. Once the Local Authority are satisfied the plans show compliance an approval notice is issued, The Full Plans process can take up to eight weeks, but in most cases it is completed long before this. The approval notice is valid for three years and providing you start work before this time, you can continue through to completion within ten years.
Building notice
This is a much simpler procedure than the Full Plans option and is generally used for minor works, such as the removal of an internal load-bearing wall. Once work has commenced, a local authority building control surveyor will visit the site to meet the builder to discuss the plans, agree how the work should be carried out and when specific site inspections will take place. You maybe still required to provide plans and structural calculations When the building work is complete a completion certificate will be issued by the local authority building control team showing that the work has been independently inspected and, that as far as could be assessed, it complies with the building regulations. The Building Notice is valid for three years and providing you start work before this time, you can continue through to completion within ten years.
With either application type when the building work is complete a completion certificate will be issued by your local authority building control team showing that the work has been independently inspected and, that as far as could be assessed, it complies with the building regulations.
Where works have already been carried out you have the opportunity to regularise controllable building works.
Retrospective building regulations applications
You can also make a retrospective building regulations application for work that has been carried out without consent. If the work has already started – or even completed – without the required certification, then a retrospective application can be made, providing the work was carried out after 11 November 1985. The purpose of the process is to regularise unauthorised works and obtain a certificate of regularisation. Depending on the circumstances, exposure, removal and/ or rectification of works may be necessary to establish compliance with the building regulations. Any work can potentially be regularised but this service is only available from your local authority building control team.
If you are still unsure about the best route to building regulations compliance, it’s always best to check with your local authority building control team first.
If you require any clarification on which application type would be most suitable for your project and the fees involved, please contact your local authority building control team.
