A-Z of Self Build Guides Building Regulations

Date Published:

22/01/2009

How Do You Obtain Building Control Consent?

The process of obtaining Building Control consent, notes Harris, generally starts with an application to the local authority. This will include a simple form, drawings, details and specifications, and the fee.

The Building Control Department will then scrutinise the contents and either grant a Conditional Approval, or respond with queries and requests for further information. The approval is always conditional because only once the building is built, inspected and tested can the final approval be granted. This is confirmed by the issue of a Completion Certificate.

This route is called 'Full Plans' because the plans are checked before work starts. A perfectly legitimate alternative is to bypass this process by following a second route called a 'Building Notice'. This is intended for minor works, but it enables you to start work within 48 hours of giving notice to the Building Control Department.

Harris says, 'The risk with route two is that your design is completely unvetted and may have some fundamental flaw. Any such problems will only come to light as they are built and inspected. However, if time is of the essence and the work simple, then this is a viable option.'