Building Control Applications
It is probably best to consult with your neighbours before you carry out work. But unlike a planning application, the council does not take comments into consideration before making a decision on whether to approve a building regulation application.
What's the difference between a Full Plans application, and a Building Notice?
Building Regulation Full Plans application
This is where detailed drawings of the proposed work are submitted and checked to make sure the proposal meets regulations. If it does, it is approved.
If there are queries on the plans, we will write to you saying why and asking for changes or more information. If only minor changes are need, the plans may be approved subject to conditions providing permission for this has been given by the applicant or agent. We will try to let you know of our decision within two weeks and definitelyl within five weeks (or two months if you request an extension of time to allow more information to be covered).
In most cases, the charges for a Full Plans submission are payable in two parts, one on deposit of the application and the second when work is started.
Building Notice
Tis is a written notice that you intend to carry out building work and plans are not required initially. It may be necessary to provide drawings and/or structural calculations later. If the work is a new building or extension, a block plan showing the size and position of the proposal is needed so that the size can be verified and to ensure the proposal is not to be constructed over a public sewer.
The Building Control charge is payable in full on deposit of a Building Notice. Building Notices are more suitable for minor residential alterations and/or extensions, and are not normally acceptable for work to commercial buildings or buildings to which the public have access, as the Fire Service is involved.
You can start work 48 hours after giving the Building Notice, although you must tell Building Control when the work is being done to enable an inspection to be carried out.
When building plans are rejected because the time for issuing a decision has elapsed, a new application should be made with amendments to the plans to ensure compliance with the Regulations. Providing the work is substantially the same as the initial application, no further fee is payable.
Both Building Regulation approvals and Building Notices are valid for three years from the date of application.
What information do I need to give you
It depends upon the type of application you wish to submit and the complexity of the works to be carried out.
For a Building Notice you must submit:
- one copy of the Building Control Application Form
- a block plan
- payment of the appropriate charge
For a Full Plans application you must submit:
- two copies of the Building Regulation Consent Form
- two plans and detailed specifications, and when appropriate structural calculations or other engineering details
- extra copies of the plans called Fire Safety Plans may be requested for non-residential works
- payment of the appropriate charge
Forms should be downloaded and completed and sent with supporting information and a cheque payable to East Hampshire District Council for the fee, to:
Building Control Team
East Hampshire District Council
Penns Place
Petersfield
Hants
GU31 4EX
The building control team will acknowledge receipt of applications within three working days. They aim to make decisions within the five week statutory period unless an extension of time has been agreed.
'Regularising' unauthorised works
Under certain circumstances the owner of a property may apply to "regularise" works that were carried out without consent.
Charges
Charges apply except for works specifically to improve access or provide some facilities for persons with disabilities. The charges are made to cover the cost of vetting the plans and the site inspections.