Making an application

Generally speaking, a Building Regulation application is required for most types of development, however there are certain exemptions. If you are in doubt it is advisable to check with the Building Control Section.

If your building work requires the submission of an application there are two procedures to choose from:-

a. Submission of Full Plans

b. Giving of a Building Notice

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Full Plans Application

Plans need to be drawn up showing all constructional details, preferably well in advance of your intended commencement on site. A Building Control Surveyor will check the plans and consult any appropriate authorities. If they are satisfied that the work shown on the plans complies with the Building Regulations you will be issued with an approval notice. If the work is carried out satisfactorily and in accordance the approved plan it will be approved and a completion certificate issued. It is useful to keep the approval notice and completion certificate with the deeds of the property.

Online Building Control Application Submission

You can now submit your building control application online via the website of Submit-a-Plan located under external links.

Building Notice Application

An approval notice will not be given for a Building Notice, however, it avoids the possibly time consuming process of having detailed plans prepared. You may be requested to submit further information, but only the minimum amount necessary to demonstrate that the work will achieve the correct standard. This procedure places much more emphasis on site inspection to ensure compliance.

This method is better suited to smaller work and cannot be used where the building is for ‘designated use’ as defined by the Fire Precautions Act 1971 (e.g. shops and offices) or where an extension is built over or in close proximity to a public sewer.

NOTE:

It is an offence to carry out building work without first submitting an application under the Building Regulations, and the Council have powers to take enforcement action in the Magistrates Court if you fail to do so. If you have carried out work without consent after November 1985 and it has been completed for more than 1 year you are able to make a Regularisation Application if you wish rectify the situation. Substantial works and considerable expense may be required before the council is able to issue a regularisation certificate. This is dependent on the standard of the work that was carried out. IMPORTANT: Please look at the Regularisation advice sheet provided BEFORE completing the Regularisation Application.