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Application forms and fees

Application forms

Full plans application

The depositing of a Full Plans Application is the way the majority of applications are dealt with. The person undertaking building work prepares detailed plans (usually by employing an agent) and these are checked for compliance by the Council.

The Council has to arrive at a decision within a set period and has the option to Approve, Approve Conditionally or Reject the plans.

Building notice

The second method is a Building Notice. This is used for simple domestic work. The notice is simply a method of advising the Council that work is to be carried out.

There is no decision process but the builder has to show compliance on site. "Building Notices" cannot be submitted for commercial premises.

Regularisation

Regularisation is an application for retrospective approval. However it cannot be applied if the works were carried out before November 1985.

Applicants for a 'Regularisation' certificate should be aware that Building Control are likely to ask for works to be opened up for inspection. The details of any work that is found not to comply with the Building Regulations will be sent to you in writing and it is then up to you to correct the work.

A Regularisation certificate will be given when all of the work has been rectified and complies with the regulations that were in force at the time the works were carried out.

Reversion application

If your project has started on site and you have since been informed by your appointed Approved Inspector that they are unable to continue to provide service (for example, because the company no longer holds professional indemnity insurance to operate as an Approved Inspector), then the person undertaking the work / building owner will need to take steps to ensure the development remains lawful.

If the approved inspector has not cancelled the Initial Notice you will be required to submit Form 7 to cancel the initial notice.

Following the cancellation of the Initial Notice you will be required to submit the Reversion application form along with any supporting documents you may have for example plans, specifications, calculations and any inspection reports by the Approved Inspector.

Minor works

Some very minor works are exempt from the requirements but as a general rule most building work, and certain changes of use, require approval under the Building Regulations.

Demolition

The Building Act 1984; Section 80

This application applies to any demolition of the whole or part of a building except –

  1. A demolition in pursuance, of a demolition order made under the Housing Act 1957, and
  2. A demolition –
    1. Of an internal part of a building, where the building is and is intended to continue to be occupied,
    2. A building that has a cubic content (external measurement) of not more than 50 cubic metres (1750 cubic feet) or, where a greenhouse, conservatory, shed or prefabricated garage forms part of a larger building, or
    3. Of an agricultural building unless it is contiguous to another building.

Building regulation fees

Fee scales and methods of calculation are set out in the guidance notes on fees. Note that your application will not be validated until we have received the appropriate fee.

These are set by the Local Authority, and are based upon a number of factors including the size, cost and complexity of the project.

How to pay

You can pay for your application by the following methods:

  • Post cheques to: Building Control, Town Hall, Darlington DL1 5QT. Cheques must be crossed and made payable to Darlington Borough Council.
  • Pay in person at the Town Hall – with cheque, in cash or with a credit card.
  • Pay with a debit or credit card, Monday to Thursday 9am – 5pm and Friday 9am – 4.30pm by Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Switch and Solo debit and credit cards. Telephone 01325 406214.

We are not able to process Building Control payments through the Darlington Borough Council website.

LABC portal

Submission of Building Regulation Applications through LABC portal www.labcportal.co.uk.