The most widely known procedure is by the deposit of 'full plans' whereby the person wishing to carry out the work, or their agent, submits plans showing full details of the work.

These plans are then checked for compliance with the Building Regulations and, if satisfactory, an approval is issued.

Advantages of the Full Plans System

You will receive a formal decision after the checking process has taken place. An approval notice can be presented to financial institutions, solicitors, surveyors etc... when seeking loans or moving home. You have the assurance that providing the work is carried out in accordance with the approved plans the Regulations will be satisfied.

The Building Notice procedure is a useful facility for carrying out work on smaller projects and also where the person carrying out the work is familiar with the regulations' requirements. It enables work to proceed quickly without the deposit of plans. It may not, however, be used for certain projects such as shops and offices, where the Regulations make requirements for means of escape in the case of fire.

Advantages

Detailed plans are not always required producing savings in time and cost.

Disadvantages

You must feel confident that the works comply with the Building Regulations or you risk having to correct it after inspection. You may have to submit plans and calculations at a later stage.

• No approval notice will be issued
• A building Notice may not be accepted for mortgage purposes

Complete the application forms in duplicate, and include at least two copies of:

• All detailed plans, sections and elevations, incorporating all necessary technical notes, supporting calculations and specifications
• A 1:1250 scale plan showing the size and position of the building as extended, and its relationship to adjoining boundaries (commonly known as a block plan)
• A detailed builder's estimate, where appropriate
• The appropriate fee

An additional two copies of the plans are normally required if the application is for the following types of building:

• Offices, Shops, Factories, Hotels and Boarding Houses

Complete the Building Notice form and include the following:

• A detailed builder's estimate, where appropriate
• The appropriate fee (see current fee scales)

For New Buildings and Extensions

A 1:1250 scale plan showing the size and position of the building, or the building as extended, and its relationship to adjoining boundaries (commonly known as a block plan).

Building work must be inspected during its progress and sufficient notice must be given to enable the Building Control Section to arrange site visits.

This applies to work sanctioned under both the full plans and Building Notice procedures.

You must contact the Building Control Officer before you start work, preferably two days prior to commencing. An officer will arrange to visit and discuss your proposals to determine what inspections are required.

Regularisation

It is not uncommon for building work to be undertaken without the appropriate procedure being followed. Where this happens, problems often arise later during the conveyance process. More information about the regularisation procedure and what to do to sort out the difficulties is here.

You are reminded that Building Regulations approval does not simply approval under the Town and Country Planning Act. You should always check whether or not a planning application is required.