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.
- Full plans application [pdf document]
- Full plan online application [online form, opens in new window]
- Full plans guidance notes [pdf document]
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.
- Building notice [pdf document]
- Building notice online application [online form, opens in new window]
- Building notice guidance notes [pdf document]
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.
- Regularisation [pdf document]
- Regularisation online application [online form, opens in new window]
- Regularisation guidance notes [pdf document]
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.
- Form 7 notice of cancellation [word document]
- Form 7 notice of cancellation online form [online form, opens in new window]
- Reversion application [pdf document]
- Reversion online application [online form, opens in new window]
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.
- Notice of intention to erect an exempt building [pdf document]
- Erect exempt building online application [online form, opens in new window]
Demolition
The Building Act 1984; Section 80
This application applies to any demolition of the whole or part of a building except –
- A demolition in pursuance, of a demolition order made under the Housing Act 1957, and
- A demolition –
- Of an internal part of a building, where the building is and is intended to continue to be occupied,
- 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
- Of an agricultural building unless it is contiguous to another building.
- Demolition form [pdf document]
- Demolition online form [online form, opens new window]
Building regulation fees
- Domestic extensions, alterations and conversions to dwellings [pdf document]
- New dwellings [pdf document]
- All other work [pdf document]
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:
- Pay in person at the Town Hall – with cheque, in cash or with a credit card (appointment only)
- 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
- Pay online, a link will be emailed to you once the application has been registered and the fee verified
LABC portal
Submission of Building Regulation Applications through LABC portal www.labcportal.co.uk.