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Building Control Service provided by the Local Authority

Local Authority Control | Approved Inspectors Control | Do Regulations Apply?

Depending on the scale and type of work involved, there are two options: full plans application, or building notice procedure.

Full plans application

A full plans application should contain plans and other information to show all construction details. Submit your application well in advance of the start date for the work: the procedure can take between five weeks and two months to complete.

The plans will be checked and the appropriate authorities (for example, fire, sewerage) consulted, before approval in writing is issued. If the plans are rejected, the reasons will be given in the notice.

The Local Authority will inspect the work while it is in progress and issue a completion certificate when the work has been finished to a satisfactory standard.

Building Notice Procedure

Unlike the full plans application, under the building notice procedure there is no approval or rejection process. Neither is there a completion certificate, although the local authority is still required to inspect the progress of the project.

Once you have lodged notice with the local authority, your building work can begin.

Be warned: if you choose this option, make sure that your builder or project manager will ensure that the work done will comply with the appropriate building regulations, as this procedure does give the same level of protection as a full plans approval.

Any mistake could require expensive corrective action after the local authority's inspection.