Torbay Council

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Making a Building Regulation Application


There are two methods of making an application, they are:
  1. Full Plans Submission
  2. Building Notice Procedure

Full Plans Submission

A Full Plans application requires the submission of full construction drawings and a detailed specification of the intended scheme prior to work commencing on site. A detailed appraisal of the proposals will be carried out by the Building Control Officer.  When necessary you or your agent (if an agent is appointed) will be sent an appraisal letter which details items that require additional information, clarification or some other form of amendment. Once you or your agent have satisfactorily answered these queries, a formal Notice of Approval will be issued which remains valid for three years from the date of deposit. You are then safe in the knowledge that providing you and your builder constructs strictly in accordance with those plans, and any conditions on the approval, the Regulations will be satisfied. (It should be remembered however that the Regulations do not cover everything).

Submitting Your Full Plans Online

Torbay Building Control Consultancy through the Submit-a-Plan opens in a new window website enables customers to submit Building Regulations Applications on-line.
This facility is offered free of charge and works with all CAD applications. It eliminates the need to send multiple paper plans and is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You can register or find out more information on how Submit-a-Plan can save you time and money on the Submit-a-Plan opens in a new window website.
Minor variations in construction can be agreed as work progresses, major changes may require amended details to be submitted (variations may need to be dealt with separately and differently under other legislation, e.g. planning permission).

Building Notice Procedure

A Building Notice submission does not require the submission of plans with the Notice, other than in the case of the erection or extension of a building, a block plan at a minimum scale of 1:1250 is required (see notes on reverse of Building Notice Application Form). The Authority may however require details to be submitted during the construction process, if without them, they are unable to ensure compliance with the Regulations.
Once the Notice is received and providing the fee is correct you will be issued with a Building Notice Acceptance letter. You should note that this does not in any way indicate prior approval of your proposals. Although, therefore, this process may appear advantageous it has disadvantages.
  1. You and/or the builder have no approved plans to work to. Whilst the inspecting officer will endeavour to anticipate problems, delays and costly remedial works may be necessary if the work carried out does not comply with the Building Regulations.
  2. You may find that without plans you and your builder have different ideas in respect of detail and general design issues outside of the Building Regulations. Enforcement of an "Contract" between you may prove difficult.
  3. The 'estimate' the builder gives you may prove inaccurate without the benefit of full design.



Contact Building Control