How to make a Building Regulations application

• What are Building Regulations?
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• Full plans application
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• Building notice application
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• Regularisation certificate application
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• Building Regulations application charges
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• Site inspections
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• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007
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• Further information and advice

National building regulations exist to ensure a robust standard of construction for the health and safety of people in and around all types of buildings. Building Regulations promote:

• Standards for most aspects of a building's construction, including its structure, fire safety, sound insulation, drainage, ventilation and electrical safety.
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• Energy efficiency in buildings.
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• The needs of all people, including those with disabilities, in accessing and moving around buildings. They set standards for buildings to be accessible and hazard-free wherever possible.

Three different types of Building Regulations applications can be made -  a full plans application, a building notice application and a regularisation certificate application. Applications can be submitted by email, on CD, USB memory stick and on paper.

Comprehensive information about Building Regulations is available on the Planning Portal website:

• For general information about Building Regulations visit the 'interactive house' (new window)
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• Detailed Building Regulations information, guidance and policy (new window)

A charge is payable when you send a Building Regulation application to the Council. The amount payable depends on the work which is to be carried out.

• Guidance notes to Building Control charges (PDF 24KB)
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• Table A - Building Control charges for new dwellings effective from 4 January 2011 (PDF 8KB)
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• Table B - Building Control charges for domestic extensions and alterations effective from 4 January 2011 (PDF 10KB)
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• Table C - Building Control charges for non domestic work effective from 4 January 2011 (PDF 12KB)

In most cases when a full plans application is made fees are paid in two stages. A plan charge is paid when the plans are deposited for checking and an invoice for the inspection charge is sent after the work has commenced. This inspection charge is a one off fee and will cover the remainder of the inspections, irrespective of the number of visits made.

With a building notice application the total fee is payable on deposit.

Where estimated costs are used for the calculation of charges these should be based upon the current RICS Review of Building Prices.

No fees are payable in certain cases where the work consists solely of providing facilities for someone with disabilities.

There are a number of statutory inspections which must be carried out at various stages, depending on the works. For your guidance an inspection request list is sent out with every application acknowlegement. This gives details of when you or your builder must contact us for an inspection. These stages are as follows:

• Commencement of work.
• Foundation excavations.
• Concrete in foundations.
• Oversite preparation.
• Damp-proof course.
• Drainage before covering.
• Drainage after haunching or covering.
• Occupation of the building or part of the building.
• Completion of work.

Two working days notice are required for commencement of work and one working day for all other inspections. We operate a same day service for most inspections provided the inspection is booked before 10.00am that day.

It may also be necessary for the inspecting officer to carry out additional inspections to ensure compliance with Building Regulations. Completion certificates are issued at the end of the work providing all the Building Regulations have been met.

If you are doing or having construction or refurbishment work done, you may need to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and you may have other duties as well. To find out more and to see if the regulations affect you go to the HSE's website (new window).

Please remember that you may also need planning permission for your proposal. For more information go to the planning permission and development control webpages or contact the Planning Helpdesk on 01394 444403 or 444428 or email d.c.admin@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.

Please feel free to contact us to discuss your application. You can contact us on 01394 444219, email building.control@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk or write to us at:

Building Control,
Suffolk Coastal District Council,
Council Offices,
Melton Hill,
Woodbridge IP12 1AU.

• How to find us and our office hours.

You are also welcome to visit us but it is best to call and make an appointment first.