Approvals
Building Regulations drawings and plan review
Technical drawings and specifications, or a review of your architect’s drawings against the Approved Documents.
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Design & approvals
Building Regulations applications
We prepare your Building Regulations application, submit it through the route that suits the project, and answer building control’s questions while it is assessed. You end up with a complete submission and a record of everything sent.
When you need it
Most building work in England needs Building Regulations approval, which is separate from planning permission. There are three routes: a full plans application or a building notice to the local authority, or an initial notice given by a registered building control approver you appoint. A building notice suits smaller projects only, and cannot be used for work to buildings covered by the Fire Safety Order, new buildings fronting a private street, or work over or near public sewers covered by requirement H4.
Higher-risk buildings follow a separate regime. For buildings at least 18 metres high or seven storeys that contain at least two homes, or are hospitals or care homes, building control approval comes from the Building Safety Regulator and work must not start until it is approved (gateway 2). A completion certificate application follows at the end (gateway 3).
Choosing the route early matters. With full plans, the drawings are checked before work starts; with a building notice, compliance is dealt with through inspections as the work goes on.
What is included
Included
- Review of the project and advice on which route applies
- Application or initial notice prepared and submitted with the documents the route requires
- Coordination of structural, fire, energy and drainage information from the specialists involved
- Responses to building control queries while the application is assessed
- A record of the submission and any conditions attached to an approval
Priced separately
- Fees charged by the local authority, approver or Building Safety Regulator
- Drawings, calculations and specialist reports, unless your quotation includes them
- Planning applications
- Design changes requested after approval
Your written quotation confirms the exact scope, what is included and any limits for your building.
What you receive
A submitted full plans application, building notice or initial notice with its supporting documents, and copies of all correspondence with building control. Where a full plans application is decided, you receive a copy of the decision.
Sent as a PDF. We can send it to your building control body or agent on request.
Our reports and testing support the compliance process. Approval and completion decisions remain with your building control body: the local authority, a registered building control approver, or the Building Safety Regulator for higher-risk buildings.
How to prepare
- Site address and a description of the work
- Existing and proposed drawings, if you have them
- Planning permission and conditions, if any
- Height, number of storeys and use of the building
- Whether you have already appointed a building control approver
- Your intended start date
Send what you have. Missing details will not stop an enquiry; we will tell you anything still needed.
How it works
Tell usChoose the service or describe the job.
Written quotationScope, deliverables and price, confirmed in writing.
We manage the workArranged and coordinated by RegulaBuild. Technical work is carried out by appropriately qualified professionals.
Your reportThe output named in your quotation, with any follow-up.
Questions
Should I use the local authority or a registered building control approver?
Either can deal with most projects, and both check work against the same regulations. Approvers cannot take on higher-risk buildings or regularisation applications. We explain the options for your project in the quotation.
Can work start before approval?
For most projects, building control must be told before work starts, and work then proceeds under inspection. For higher-risk buildings, work must not start until the Building Safety Regulator has approved the application.
Do I need an application if my installer is in a competent person scheme?
Not for that work. A registered installer, for example for windows or boilers, can self-certify their work and tell the local authority. Other parts of your project may still need an application.
Can you guarantee approval?
No. We prepare a complete application and deal with queries, but the decision rests with your building control body.
Often booked with
Combine them in one quote request
Part A
Structural calculations
Calculations for beams, openings, lofts and new structures, ready for building control.
Design and approvalsView service
Approvals
Completion evidence and handover
Gathering the certificates, test results and statements building control needs before it can issue a completion or final certificate.
Design and approvalsView service
Where we work
Building Regulations applications across England
Request a quote
Discuss building regulations applications
Start with this service and add anything else you need. If you are unsure, say so and we will advise.