| 
Please see below information about the different types of application which can be made under the Building Regulations.
When you have decided which application is appropriate, click on the link to go to the application form and information.
Full Plans
A full plans application requires the submission of working drawings for the proposed works. Ideally these should be done by a construction professional, such as an architect or a Structural Engineer.
North Staffordshire Building Control Partnership will then carry out a plan check to ensure that the proposals meet the Building Regulations standards. A plan check will usually take place within three weeks for domestic works. We will also consult with any appropriate bodies, such as fire and water authorities.
Once the plan check has been completed, a decision will be given of either "approved", "conditionally approved" or "rejected". Work can then commence on site, and a Building Control Officer will inspect the work at the appropriate stages highlighted in the acknowledgement letter.
- Approval: This is granted when the plans submitted do not contravene the Building Regulations in any way and give sufficient detail for every element of construction, from foundations to roof.
- Conditional Approval: This is given when some elements of the plans or specification do not meet the current standard of Building Regulations, or additional information is required. Often this simply requires a minor amendment to the plans or structural calculations. The plans must have Approval before a Completion Certificate can be issued. Therefore it is vital that all conditions are met before a completion inspection is requested.
- Rejection: A plan will be rejected when it contravenes the Building Regulations in many ways, or where there is a life-threatening risk if building works were to proceed as per the plan. These issues will need to be addressed, and it is recommended that works do not start on site until drawings have been Approved or Conditionally Approved.
Please note that it is the owners' responsibility to notify the Building Control Officer when the works are at the appropriate stage for inspection.
Once the building works have been satisfactorily completed, you will be issued with a "Completion Certificate". Where a completion inspection is requested between one and five years after actual completion of the work or occupation a charge of £120 will apply. Click here to go to the After 12 Months Completion or Occupation Inspection Request form.
Click here to go to the Full Plans application forms and guidance.
Building Notice
Building Notice (Electrical Installations)
Building Notice (Glazed Windows and Doors)
Building Notices should only be used when the building contractor carrying out the works is fully competent to do so, and has an understanding of the Building Regulations.
A Building Notice must be submitted at least two days before the work commences on site, and any additional information such as drawings or structural calculations should be included with the submission.
Please note that a Building Notice can only be used for works on domestic properties.
The Building Notice procedure does not involve plans submissions, so can avoid the need for detailed full plans to be drawn up. This means that some types of building works can get underway more quickly than by following the Full Plans route. You will be issued with a Completion Certificate when the works have been satisfactorily carried out.
Click here to go to the Building Notice application form.
Click here to go to the Building Notice (Electrical Installations) application form.
Click here to go to the Building Notice (Glazed Windows and Doors) application form.
Regularisation
This application is for works which have been completed, but without an application and which are therefore unauthorised. This application carries a charge of 20% of the original fee, and will require elements of the original works being exposed so that the Building Control Officer can inspect the works (for example, you may have to dig down to expose part of the foundations).
Any additional information and photographs should be submitted with the application.
Click here to go to the Regularisation application form.