How to Apply for Building Control Approval

Applying for building control is a crucial step in any construction or renovation project in the UK. Whether you’re building an extension, converting a loft, or removing a structural wall, you’ll need to apply for approval to ensure the work meets building regulations. These rules exist to safeguard structural integrity, fire safety, ventilation, drainage, insulation, and more.

The process is designed to be straightforward, but it’s important to choose the correct route for your project and follow the steps properly to avoid delays, extra costs, or enforcement action.

Choose Who Will Handle the Application

There are two routes you can take: using your local authority building control service or appointing an independent approved inspector. Both options carry out the same core function — checking that your building work meets the legal standards — but the process and pricing can differ.

Local authorities tend to offer standard fees and are a common choice for domestic projects. Private approved inspectors are often favoured for commercial jobs or larger developments due to their flexibility and bespoke service.

Whichever route you choose, the inspector will visit the site at key stages and, if everything complies, issue a final completion certificate.

Select the Right Application Type

There are two main ways to apply for building control approval:

Full Plans Application: This method involves submitting detailed architectural drawings, specifications, and structural calculations before work begins. The plans are checked in advance to confirm they meet building regulations. This route provides clear feedback before construction starts and is ideal for complex projects such as extensions, new builds, or loft conversions.

Building Notice Application: This route is faster and involves minimal upfront paperwork. It allows you to start work after giving notice, without a formal plan check. It’s suited to smaller, simple projects where you or your builder are confident in compliance. However, it carries more risk because problems may only be identified during inspections.

If you're applying through a private inspector, they will typically require a full set of plans regardless of the method, as they do not offer a building notice route in the same way local authorities do.

Submit Your Application

For a full plans submission, you’ll need to include drawings, specifications, and the relevant fee. Most local authorities now allow online submissions through their planning portals or dedicated building control portals. You can also submit in person or by post.

For a building notice, you simply fill in a form that outlines the type of work, the property address, and a rough description of the project. You’ll pay the fee when you submit the notice, and work can usually begin 48 hours after it is received.

If you're using a private inspector, they’ll guide you through their process, which usually involves a formal engagement contract and direct submission of plans to them for checking.

Coordinate Inspections During the Project

Once work begins, it’s your responsibility (or your builder’s) to notify building control at key stages of the build. These typically include foundations, drainage, damp-proofing, structural framing, insulation, and the final completion stage.

Inspectors will visit the site to verify that work complies with the approved plans and building regulations. If any issues arise, they’ll require changes or further information before work can continue.

Staying in contact with your building control provider and booking inspections on time is essential to avoid delays and ensure a smooth sign-off at the end.

Receive Your Completion Certificate

After the final inspection, if the work meets all relevant standards, a completion certificate will be issued. This document confirms that the work is legally compliant and can be safely occupied or used. It’s critical for property sales, insurance, and mortgage purposes, so always ensure you receive it and keep it with your property records.

If any part of the process was missed or failed, the certificate may be delayed or withheld until the issues are resolved.

What Happens After You Submit the Application?

Once you’ve submitted your building control application, the next step depends on the type of submission.

For full plans applications, the building control team will assess your drawings against the current Building Regulations. This usually takes between 5 and 8 weeks, though many authorities aim to respond more quickly. If the plans are compliant, you’ll receive formal approval. If changes are needed, they’ll send back comments or request amendments, which you’ll need to address before work begins.

For building notice applications, there's no upfront approval. The local authority simply registers the notice and confirms receipt, usually within 48 hours. You can begin work after that, but there’s a greater onus on the builder to get everything right, as compliance will be judged solely on-site.

Using the Planning Portal or Submit-a-Plan

Many councils in the UK accept building control applications through national online systems such as the Planning Portal or Submit-a-Plan. These platforms let you upload documents, pay fees, and track progress from a central account. Some councils also have their own online portals, especially larger ones.

When applying online, make sure you’ve got the correct file formats for plans and calculations, and that you include all required documents — missing information is a common reason for delays.

Choosing a Private Inspector

If you’re using a private approved inspector, you must also submit an Initial Notice to the local authority. This is a legal document that confirms the private inspector will be handling the building control process. The notice must be accepted by the council before any work can start.

Once accepted, the local authority steps aside and the approved inspector takes full responsibility for checking compliance, carrying out inspections, and issuing the final certificate.

If the inspector later withdraws or goes out of business mid-project — which has happened in some cases — responsibility may revert to the local authority. This can cause delays and may require extra inspections to catch up on missed stages.

Application Fees: What’s Included

Fees for building control are usually split into two parts: the plan-checking fee and the inspection fee. For building notices, this is typically a single, combined payment.

Private inspectors will often provide an all-in-one quote, which may or may not include VAT or extra site visits. Always clarify what’s included — for example, does the fee cover re-inspections if something fails? Are structural engineering checks part of the cost?

What Documents Do You Need?

The documents required vary depending on the complexity of your project. For full plans applications, you’ll typically need:

• Detailed floorplans, elevations, and section drawings

• Structural calculations for any load-bearing work

• Drainage layout plans

• Insulation details and U-values

• A site location plan showing the property boundaries

For internal alterations or small domestic jobs, fewer drawings may be needed, but clarity and accuracy are still essential. Poor or incomplete drawings are a major cause of delays in getting approval.

How to Avoid Delays or Rejection

One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the level of detail required. General sketches or rough layouts won’t pass in a full plans application — inspectors need technical information that proves the design meets all relevant parts of the Building Regulations (Parts A to P, depending on the project).

Another issue is starting work too early. If you begin before the application is approved (in the case of full plans) or accepted (in the case of a building notice), you risk enforcement action and potential rework.

Keeping a good relationship with your inspector, being honest about progress, and responding promptly to queries will all help keep your project on track.

Final Word

Applying for building control is more than just a legal formality — it’s an essential part of ensuring that your project is built safely and correctly. Whether you go through your local authority or a private inspector, the key is to follow the right process, communicate clearly, and keep building control involved from start to finish. With the right application and timely inspections, you can avoid costly setbacks and finish your project with full confidence and compliance.