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You are here: Home > Business and planning > Building Control > FAQs

Building Control FAQs

This section provides frequently asked questions about building control issues and links to further information.

What is the difference between Planning Permission and Building Control? 

Planning permission relates to the size, shape, location, height and sympathy with surroundings. 

Building Control relates to the actual construction and uses the current building regulations to ensure, by inspection and approval, that the work is safe, healthy, minimises heat loss and can also have provision for disabled access.

• Tell me more about planning and development control 

What work requires Building Control?

Generally, all new structural works and alterations, conversions and extensions.
Due to the complexity of the subject it is strongly advisable to contact:

• Building Control Section 
  Tel 01737 276162
  Fax 01737 276018    

How do I make an application?

You can apply by post using forms you can download from this website.

• I want to download forms 

What will it cost me?

Fees for all submissions are charged at different rates. 

• Tell me more about the schedule of fees 

When site inspection fees are raised after the plan application then this will be invoiced after the first inspection. Building Notice fees are paid in full at time of application. All fees are subject to VAT.

How long does it take?

Building Notice:

• You may start work after 48 hrs of serving the notice.

Full Plans:

• You may start work after 48hrs of acceptance of the application, at your own risk.
• However, it is advisable to wait for approval before commencing work in order to avoid risk.
• Waiting for approval will help the builder to quote more reliably for the work.
• Legislation requires the Local Authority to make a decision within five weeks or 2 months depending on the option chosen by you. 
• However, remember that we will have to reject the application if any outstanding requested information is not supplied within these time limits. Most applications are vetted within 15 days and outstanding information sent promptly. 
• If you employ a designer to act as your agent then all contact will be referred to them. They should be best qualified to answer any technical/regulatory issues raised by us.    

What paperwork will I receive?

You will receive:

• an acknowledgement of your application
• Approval or Rejection Notice (Full Plans)
• Completion Certificate    

Please retain these as you will be required to produce them when the property is sold.

Can you recommend a builder?

No, we must remain neutral in our role of checking plans and carrying out site inspections. However, contact the Federation of Master Builders web site www.fmb.org.uk.

Ask builders to supply example addresses of work done and speak to people who have had work done. 

Consider staged payments and note that you will only receive a completion certificate when we have finalised the work.

A completion certificate will be required when you sell the property.

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