Building regulations approval
How to apply
Contact a 鈥榖uilding control body鈥� (BCB) to check the building regulations or apply for approval.
There are different rules in and .
Where to apply
There are 2 types of BCB. It鈥檚 up to you which you use.
Local authority BCBs
You can .
Private BCBs
You can .
They鈥檒l tell your local authority about the work. This is called giving an 鈥榠nitial notice鈥�.
Choose a type of application
You must decide on the type of application for your planned build, extension or alteration work.
Full plans
This is the most thorough option. You can expect a decision within 5 weeks, or 2 months with your consent.
You鈥檒l get a completion certificate within 8 weeks of completion of the building work as long as it complies.
Building notice
This type of application is only for smaller projects. You can start work 2 days after your notice has been submitted to your BCB. You do not get formal approval like you do with full plans.
Regularisation
You can apply for 鈥榬egularisation鈥� - retrospective approval for work already carried out without consent - from a local authority BCB only.
Only work carried out after 11 November 1985 can be approved in this way.
You might need to make alterations before your BCB can agree the work complies and give you a regularisation certificate.
You may have to if building regulations are not followed.
Fees and costs
Local authority BCBs base their fees on the costs of their work, like site inspections.
What you鈥檒l pay depends on the:
- type of work involved
- number of dwellings in the building
- total floor area, for example in the case of extensions
Private BCBs negotiate their fees directly with you.
You might not have to pay a fee for works carried out solely for a person with a disability.