When do you need to apply ?

The Building Regulations apply to most ‘Building Work’ and you need to make an application before proceeding. The definition of building work is contained in the regulations and in general, covers the erection and/or extension of any type of building (with certain exemptions), the installation of works and fittings such as new waste appliances, new drainage and heating appliances, alterations to the structure of a building, work affecting means of escape in case of fire and underpinning.
Building work does not cover repair items, but applies to replacing a roof covering with a heavier or lighter tile  or slate.
Replacement windows or doors and domestic electrical installations (except certain minor works), must now meet Building Regulation requirements. Different procedures may apply, do ask for further information by contacting our Building Control team who will be pleased to advise you.

For domestic work there is a choice of two application forms. If you wish to have your plans checked and approved before the work starts, to avoid any costly errors and corrective work on site by not observing the regulations, we recommend you apply using Full Plans forms.

If the work is uncomplicated and you are happy that you or your builder has a reasonably good understanding of the regulations, then you can use Building Notice forms.

It is worth pointing out that there is no difference in the overall cost of a Full Plans application or a Building Notice application for the same work.

If the work has already recently started or possibly even completed without proper consent, then a retrospective application can be made using a Regularisation form. Before using this route, please read information on regularisation.

Once you know an application is required you can decide on the type of application you want to submit.

BDC Building Control Fees & Charges

The Council’s scheme of Charges contains three schedules:
Table A - New Dwellings not exceeding 300m2

Table B- Works to a single dwelling limited up to 3 story's.

Table C- All other non domestic work up to 3 story's.

Applications are not validly deposited unless the charges paid are correct.

Charges attract V.A.T at current rates.

Application for a Regularisation Certificate Will attract a charge which is 20% greater than the Building Notice charge applicable to the work. The amount can be found by clicking the link above.

Charges for an application for a Regularisation Certificate will not attract V.A.T.

Disabled Persons
Charges are not made where the Local Authority are satisfied that the whole of the building work consists of an alteration and is solely to provide access or facilities to secure the greater health, safety, welfare or convenience of such persons.

See the notes to the Local Authority’s current scheme of Charges for Building Regulation Applications for a full explanation and guidance.

THE INSPECTION PROCESS
Site inspections are carried out at statutorily notifiable and certain other key stages in the work. Use of the Building Notice procedure may require additional inspections. The full requirements are found in Regulation 15. An Inspection Plan for your building work can be provided to advise you at what stage to give notification.

Completion Certificate
A valuable document to obtain, enabling you to proceed should you wish to sell your property at a future date. We are happy to supply this to you providing that :

1) All statutory notifications for inspection have been given and as far as can be ascertained, your building work complies with the Building Regulations.

2)  Any conditions attached to a Full Plans application have been reasonably satisfied.

LEVEL OF SERVICE
What can you expect?   We aim to:

(1)  Provide an efficient and competitive service which promotes and secures the health, safety, welfare and convenience of people in and about buildings and furthers the conservation of energy resources

(2)  Provide you with guidance & advice on any   aspect you are uncertain of, either by telephone or pre-submission meeting.

(3)  Examine your Full Plans application and inform you promptly (normally within three weeks and no more than five weeks of deposit), of any errors or omissions.

(4)  Carry out an inspection at the appropriate key stages and provide wherever possible, a same morning / early afternoon response to inspection requests received before 10.00 am.

(5)  Consider special arrangements for inspections where problems are encountered.

(6)  Support the National LABC Partner Authority Scheme.

(7)  Act as lead Authority in the issue of a  National Type Approval, which you can use with minimal formality anywhere in England & Wales.

(8)  Provide a Street Naming and Numbering service for new developments at the appropriate time.

Unfortunately, we are unable to :-

<> Design projects for you

<>Carry out unlimited site inspections for all elements of building work.

<> Resolve civil matters involving adjoining property owners or occupiers

Our Customer Contract will complete the picture of our service provision for you and what to do if things go wrong.

HOW TO GET HELP AND ADVICE
You can call into our reception at Causeway House.

Telephone us on our direct line (01376) 557781,

 e-mail us  -  buildingcontrol@braintree.gov.uk

Alternatively, write to:
The Building Control Services Manager,
Development Services,
Braintree District Council,
Causeway House,
Braintree,
Essex,
CM7 9HB

A home visit can be arranged to discuss or help submit applications for disabled people, who may otherwise experience difficulties visiting our offices

  
Application Forms:

- Notice by a person to the Local Authority of INTENDED DEMOLITION

- Full Plans Submission (PDF - print, complete & return by post)

- Building Notice Procedure (PDF - print, complete & return by post)

- Regularisation Certificate

- Guidance Notes