You will generally have two options to choose from, Full Plans or Building Notice.

Full Plan Option

1. Complete a Building Regulations Full Plans application form.
2. Deposit the form together with plans and prescribed ‘plan charge’.
3. Work may start after giving 48 hours notice, prior to formal approval, but at own risk.
4. If there are any queries following the inspection of the plans, a letter will be sent to applicants or their agent giving an opportunity for any necessary amendments to be agreed.
5. A Notice of Passing of Plans is issued normally within five weeks of deposit.
6. After the first inspection an invoice for the ‘Inspection Charge’ will be issued.
7. The normal statutory inspections will take place, ie foundations, damp proof course, drains, etc along with routine inspections.
8. A Completion Certificate is issued on satisfactory completion of the work.

Building Notice Option (cannot be used in all cases)

A Building Notice is only recommended where you/your builder are fully conversant with the Building Regulations. If this is not the case, we recommend you employ a consultant to draw up full plans/specification and submit a Full Plans application on you behalf.

1. Complete a Building Notice form.
2. Deposit the form with appropriate plan and inspection charges together with a location plan indicating the position and size of proposal if it is an extension or a new building. Details are not required at this stage but if a plan is available, it would be of assistance.
3. An Area Building Control Officer will visit the site to discuss the proposal if required. It may be necessary to request information such as structural calculations, etc.
4. A Notice of Passing of Plans is not issued.
5. You may commence work after giving 48 hours notice or earlier by prior arrangement with Building Control Services.
6. The normal statutory inspections will take place ie foundations, damp proof course, drains, etc along with routine inspections.
7. A Completion Certificate is issued on satisfactory completion of the work.

Appropriate forms and guidance can be downloaded from this website, alternatively please do not hesitate to contact us on Telephone Number: 01354 622344/622331
Email: buildingcontrol@fenland.gov.uk

NOTE: Planning permission is an issue which is totally separate from Building Regulations. It is advisable to always contact the Council’s Development Control Section to ascertain whether or not planning permission is required for any particular building work or development.