How to Make a Building Regulations Application

Any building project to create something new or to alter or extend an existing building will usually need to comply. Any person carrying out building work needs to ensure that work complies with the regulations. There are some types of work which will be exempt from the Building Regulations and an application will not be necessary. See Exemptions.

There are also procedures that need to be followed and notifications given to the local authority before, during and on completion of the project.

Building Regulation applications must be made to the local authority where the work is being carried out. See the LABC guidance on How to submit an application.

PLEASE NOTE: You must contact your local authority to obtain application and submission forms as each authority produces its own. LABC does not produce these forms. Use our Interactive Map to take you straight to the relevant authority's building control website.

There are two options when submitting an application for building works:

• Full Plans
This is the most common type of application local authorities receive for building works. It requires detailed drawings to be submitted together with the relevant fee for the work being undertaken. The plans are checked and an approval notice is issued before work commences.

This process can take up to 8 weeks dependant on the project, but in most cases it will be completed well before this.

• Building Notice

This is a simpler procedure generally used for minor works such as the removal of an internal load bearing wall, but cannot be used for commercial developments. A big advantage is that it allows work to start 48 hours after submission of the application as there is no plan checking involved before work begins.

For clarification on which application type would be suitable for your project and for information on the fees to be paid, speak to your local building control office.

Electronic plans submissions can be made to most local authorities using Submit-a-Plan.

What happens after the application is submitted?

Once you are ready to start work on the project you will need to have various stages of construction inspected by the local authority building control surveyor. This needs to be discussed and agreed between you and the surveyor. A completion certificate will be issued when all stages have been inspected and meet the regulations.

Forgot to make an application?

The lack of a completion certificate can affect your ability to use or sell a property. It may also affect your insurance and may put you at risk of legal action. However, if you have carried out work without a Building Regulations application you can apply to your local authority for a Regularisation Certificate.

Regularisation applications (applied to work carried out after 11 November 1985) can be a lengthy process, especially if extensive work is required to bring a building back up to standard. A Regularisation application must be made to the local authority where the work was carried out. You will need to provide full details and plans showing the work that was carried out along with payment of the relevant charge.

Once this information has been provided you may be required to open up and uncover the work so that it can be inspected and checked by the building control surveyor. Provided that the work is satisfactory a Regularisation Certificate will be issued.

Approved Documents
The regulations cover all aspects of construction and are constantly reviewed. The guidance documents referred to as 'Approved Documents' contain practical ways and explanations of how to comply with the functional requirements of the Building Regulations.

These 'Approved Documents' are separated into 14 parts:

• Part A - Structural stability
• Part B - Fire precautions
• Part C - The prevention of dampness
• Part D - Toxic substances
• Part E - Sound resistance of walls and floors between dwellings
• Part F - Ventilation of habitable rooms and unheated voids
• Part G - Hygiene
• Part H - Drainage and waste disposal
• Part J - Heating appliances • Part K - Stairways
• Part L - Conservation of fuel and power
• Part M - Access to buildings and facilities for disabled people
• Part N - The safe positioning of glazing in windows and doors
• Part P - Electrical safety

To view the documents in pdf format, visit the Planning Portal website