Building Notice Procedure

What is it?

This is an alternative to the Full Plans procedure, a Building Notice allows for building work to be executed without the submission of detailed plans. It is generally used when the type of building work is straight forward, and the persons responsible for the execution are conversant with the requirements of the regulations. The work will be inspected as it proceeds, but you will not receive any official decision notice confirming that the proposals have been passed. As part of the procedure a Building Control Surveyor may request further information to assist with the on-site assessment. This may include such items as structural design calculations, construction details, specification of materials etc. 

It can be used for the following :

• The erection of houses, flats and maisonettes.
• The extension or structural alteration of the above.
• The provision of services or the installation of fittings in connection with the above. 
• The material change of use of a building to the above.

What You Must Do

Complete the Building Notice section on the standard application form available from your local Building Control Office or online. The form requires you to provide the following information: 

• A completed application form, with a description of the work.
• Appropriate fee
• Location map

You may also be asked to provide details or calculations concerning particular elements of the construction. It is not necessary to provide full plans but if you have had a set prepared it would be helpful to lodge them with the application. 

Beginning Work

As there will be no approved plans for your project, you should select a builder who has a good knowledge of building practice and the Building Regulations. Ensure that Building Control receive notice when the work is due to start and at particular stages as the work progresses. The work described in the Notice must be started within three years of the date of lodgement of the Notice. A meeting with the Building Control Surveyor prior to the work starting is recommended to allow a programme of inspections to be agreed. When the work is satisfactorily completed you will receive a Completion Certificate. 

Advantages

• You save the expense and time of having drawings prepared. 
• Upon receipt of a valid Notice the work can start almost immediately. 
• It is most suitable for small works. 
• There is less paperwork and more concentration on the work on site. 
• A Completion Certificate is available.

Disadvantages

There will be no approved drawings. Lending Agencies often require these as a condition of a loan. In such circumstances you may need to make a full plans submission. Check with the lender. The builder has no approved plan to work to. Any work that is found not to comply must be removed or made good – this may counter any savings made by not having full plans prepared. Without approved drawings it will be difficult to compare tender prices from different builders. 
 
Download a Building Notice Form (PDF, 454KB)