Check if you need building regulations approval

Find out if you need approval before you construct or change buildings. Building regulations approval is different from planning permission. You might need both. Building regulations apply to building work, and are complex.

Guidance:

 Building control is not responsible for

  • guaranteeing the quality of all construction work or acting as a clerk of works

  • identifying every error, defect or instance of poor workmanship on a site

  • substituting for the legal responsibilities of dutyholders - clients, designers and contractors - who are responsible for compliance with the Building Regulations

  • providing design solutions or taking on duties that fall within the competence of others in the construction process

  • compensating for inadequate design, supervision, supply chain management or site-level quality control.

Unrealistic expectations have been placed on all building control services; many dutyholders consider that building control is the primary assurance mechanism in the process. However, accountability sits firmly with clients, designers and contractors. 

Are there any exemptions from building regulations?

Some types of building work are exempt and will not need building regulation approval. View Building control exemptions.

How to submit my application?

You can now submit a Building Control application directly through the Planning Portal.

Submit my application

The benefits of using the portal include:

  • you can work on your applications in draft before submission

  • immediate delivery and acknowledgement of applications

  • online help functions for completing applications

  • online record of completed applications

  • single sign-on for planning and building control

  • the ability to pull across key information from planning applications

  • fully compliant applications, always up to date with the latest legislation

  • simple online payment.

For advice, see our Planning Portal User Step-by-step Guide [PDF, 80KB].

Our application forms

You can also submit your application through our own application forms:

You may use a Full Plans Application for any type of work. Full Plans applications benefit from a full check at the design stage for compliance with the Building Regulations.

You must submit a Full Plans Application if the works involve a building to which the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies, or the work includes the erection of a building fronting onto a private street.

NOTE - Plans are only full plans if they consist of:

  1. a description of the proposed building work, renovation or replacement of a thermal element, change to the building's energy status or material change of use;

  2. the plans, particulars and statements required by paragraphs (1), (1A) and (2) of regulation 13;

  3. where paragraph H4 of Schedule 1 imposes a requirement, particulars of the precautions to be taken in building over a drain, sewer or disposal main to comply with the requirements of that paragraph; and

  4. any other plans which are necessary to show that the work would comply with these Regulations.

Full plan/Partner applications now require additional information, over and above that which would be required for other applications.

Building Regulations Full Plans or Partner Application

 

Please use the link below to confirm the client's consent to apply for building regulations.

Building Control Client Consent Form

From 26 December 2022, all building notices, full plans applications or initial notices for new dwellings must be accompanied by a Connectivity plan. For more information, view our Electronic Communication Requirements webpage.

A Building Notice is suitable for minor works (domestic only) where a competent contractor is used. You may use a building notice if:

  1. the work does not involve the construction, extension, or underpinning of a building, which will be over or within 3 m of a Public Sewer or Disposal Main.

  2. the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 does not apply to the building where work is proposed.

  3. the work which includes the erection of a building does not front onto a private street.

Please do NOT use a building notice if you or your builder are not able to fully demonstrate compliance without advice from a Registered Building Inspector.

Building Regulations Building Notice

Where work has already commenced or been carried out, but no formal application under the Building Regularisation has been made. This is for work commenced after 1985.

For work that was previously subject to an Initial Notice where works have commenced. For a reversion application to be validated, a Cancellation Notice from the Approved Inspector must be submitted prior to submitting the application.

Building Regulations Regularisation or Reversion Application

Where there is a change or amendment to a client or duty holder, or when the principal designer or principal contractor details was not completed on the original application form use the form below. 

Building Control Notification of Change of Dutyholder

When you want to give notice of Completion of the works, please use the form below. Please note that this should be within five days of the Completion.

Notice of Completion by a person carrying out building work

Fees and Payment

Please only make payment after you have received an email from us with the payment amount and reference number. Make your building control payment online. Please click on the 'Building Control' option and choose the relevant category. 

All Building Regulation applications are subject to fees; please call us on 0300 772 9622 for up-to-date costs.

THE FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.