Building Regulations - Applying for Approval
Which type of Building Regulations application should I make?
There are two ways in which you can apply for Building Regulations approval. The first and most traditional method is through the Full Plans route. This is not to be confused with obtaining planning permission which is a common mistake. The second route is by making a Building Notice application. If you are not sure whether you need to apply for approval, please visit our Do I need approval? page.
Please follow the links below to find out which to use
- Making a Full Plans Application
- Making a Building Notice Application
- Find out about the approval process
Making a Full Plans Application
A Full Plans application is suitable for all types of building works including:
- New buildings
- Extensions and alterations to any building including those used for a purpose designated under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 or to which the Health & Safety at Work (Fire Precautions) Regulations apply.
- Minor or extensive alterations to any building.
- The formation of a room in the roof space.
- Any projects where you want the assurance that the plans are right before you start work.
The advantages of the Full Plans route are:
- The design is fully checked to ensure that the finished job can comply with the Building Regulations.
- You have the reassurance that, provided you build to the plans that we pass, your works can satisfy the requirements of the regulations.
- You will be issued with a formal decision notice.
- Overall, the Full Plans process will often save you money and secure a better quality project with a higher degree of first time compliance with the Regulations.
- Competent designers and building contractors tend to prefer the process because of its thoroughness.
- For larger projects you only pay the initial Plan Fee which may only be approximately 1/3 of the total charge with your application. The remainder is deferred and will be collected after work starts.
The disadvantages are:
- Because the Full Plans process is the traditional, time proven, way to go through the Building Control process, it tends to be more time consuming than the much less thorough Building Notice process.
- Less competent designers and building contractors tend to dislike the process because of its thoroughness.
The Full Plans Procedure:
- You will need to prepare accurate plans that are to scale and include a full specification for the work you intend to undertake.
- You may also need to send us structural calculations for any specialist or non-standard structural work that a structural engineer may need to prepare for you.
- Other experts may need to provide information about specialist areas not in the expertise of the main designer, for example energy efficiency (SAP, SBEM).
- Complete the Full Plans application form, having read the notes thoroughly.
- Four copies of any plans that show fire precautions will be needed if the project relates to a premises which is designated under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
- Check for the charges on our Scheme of Charges for Building Regulations. We can also quote charges over the telephone if you ring us on 01344 351106 or 01344 351208.
- Include the correct payment. You can pay by cheque, cash or most credit/debit cards if paying at the Council offices. If you want to use other means such as BACS you should contact us first.
- Post or deliver the application form, the correct payment and two copies of your plans (or four if required- see above) to Building Control Services at Time Square in Bracknell.
Making a Building Notice Application
This method of application is suitable for most small domestic work. It is not acceptable for applications covering commercial or public environments. The Building Notice route is the alternative to the Full Plans route however it is inherently more risky than using the Full Plans process.
The Building Notice procedure is especially suitable for the following types of building work:
- Minor internal alterations to domestic property, for example. the removal of one or two walls or a chimney breast.
- Small single storey domestic extensions using standard forms of construction.
- Conversion of a garage or similar outbuilding into living accommodation.
- Detached outbuildings to which the regulations apply.
- New chimneys or flues.
- Installation of boilers or other heating appliances. Where the work is being carried out by an installer registered with an appropriate, government-approved Competent Persons Scheme no formal application will be needed.
- Electrical works to dwellings or associated outbuildings and garden areas. Where the work is being carried out by an installer registered with an appropriate, government-approved Competent Persons Scheme, no formal application will be needed.
- The provision of a new bathroom, shower or WC.
- Replacement of roof covering material.
- Underpinning of foundations.
- Installation of insulation material in an existing cavity wall.
The fundamental difference between this type of application and the Full Plans application is that this route does not require the submission of detailed plans.
The Building Notice route does have some disadvantages:
- No plan approval is given for the proposals - some financial institutions may require you to have plan approval proof to release funds. As no plans are approved, this may lead to an increased risk of contraventions of the Building Regulations occurring as work progresses on site and additional costs may be incurred to correct the issue.
- If you choose the Building Notice route then you should be sure that you have agreed what the builder will build and what is to be included in the price.
- It places emphasis on you and your builder to ensure the work complies with the Building Regulations.
- Using this system only one fee is payable and this is made when you initially submit the application. Although only one payment is required the cost is identical to the overall fee paid for a Full Plans submission.
The Building Notice Procedure:
- Complete the Building Notice application form and include all details required by Section 8 on the form. If this information is not included, it will not be possible to register your application
- Check for the charges on our Scheme of Charges for Building Regulations.
- Include the correct payment. You can pay by cheque, cash or most credit/debit cards if paying at the Council offices. If you want to use other means such as BACS you should contact us first
- Please contact us on 01344 351106 or 01344 351208 for help if you have a problem or need advice
- Post or deliver the application form, with the correct charge, to Building Control Services at Time Square in Bracknell.
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